Tag Archives: dye mushroom

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Dyer's Polypore, Phaeolus schweinitzii, a fungus that helps decompose wood, has emerged in the same place we spotted it last year. This year it fruited a month later than in 2011.

It's only two inches across now but it will grow in the days to come. Here's a link to how it looked last year after it grew for several weeks: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/26/dyers-polypore-a-wild-mushroom-continues-to-evolve-continues-to-fascinate/  This fascinating mushroom can be used to dye fabric. Depending on the age of the mushroom, the color will be orange, yellow, golden or brown.

It is a harbinger of autumn, just a little late this year!

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On August 18th I posted several pictures of this mushroom, a Dyer's Polypore - Phaeolus schweinitzii - one taken on the first morning it appeared. It continues to grow and to evolve. Here are several photos I took yesterday afternoon. It is growing into a true beauty!

And here with Rick's boot for perspective

Here's a link to my first posting of this sighting where you can learn more about this mushroom:
http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/18/a-young-dyers-polypore-mushroom-appeared-as-if-by-magic-overnight-at-our-property-in-anchor-bay/

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Rick and I walk every day, in fact twice a day, as demanded by our Golden Retriever, Huckleberry. On a path that leads to the forest floor a Dyer's Polypore, Phaeolus schweinitzii, appeared overnight. We were amazed! What life force mushrooms have to grow so fast.

This mushroom isn't good to eat but it has so much pigment that people use it to dye fabric. Depending on the age of the Polypore the color is yellow, gold, brown or orange. It has a part to play in nature as it breaks down dead wood into nutrients. There are several dead trees - snags - where this mushroom grows.

The first picture is the first day it appeared. The second is four days later.