Bob & Diana McElroy / Photos / The View from Point Alexander Archive /
oyster fungus  mushroom

(photo by Bob: 2005-11-22 - explore

Oyster Mushroom   

On the last Four Seasons Forest Walk, we encountered this fungus. I was informed that it is an oyster mushroom and that it is good to eat -- provided that you don't drink any alcohol with it. However, don't rely on this, or any picture, for mushroom identification.

Upon further investigation, I have learned the surprising fact that this mushroom is actually carnivorous; it feeds upon tiny nematode worms within the rotting wood! See "The Case of the Sneaky Mushroom" in The Best of the Raven published by The Friends of Algonquin Park.