Fungi Friday ~ Dryad's Saddle
I want to show you a few photos I took of a Dryad's Saddle mushroom. The Dryad's Saddle mushroom may also be known as Pheasant Back mushroom and Hawks Wing mushroom. Those are the common names but scientifically they are known as Cerioporus squamosus or Polyporus squamosus. I think I will just stick with calling them Dryad's Saddle or Pheasant Back.
I want to say that I am by no means a mushroom expert but I think I am correct in the identification of this mushroom that I found. Okay...I didn't really find it but I did photograph it! My husband spotted it on one of our outings. He is great at spotting things that he knows I would like to photograph.
This one was found on the Gunpowder Falls South White Trail in the Hereford Zone. It was growing at the base of an old tree and was surrounded by some branches and foliage. I think it had to be a good 12 inches in diameter.
It is, definitely, a beautiful mushroom and it's also edible although it is best to harvest when they are small. I read that they smell like cucumber or watermelon rind and a hint of lemon . If I caught it when it was young then I would certainly try it. Maybe sauteed with butter and some seasonings or lightly breaded and fried. Older mushrooms can be used to make stock. I probably would never make stock with them though as me and my son are the only ones in the family who care for mushrooms and he mainly only eats mushrooms on pizza.
Dryad's Saddle is high in antioxidants and is a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It is low in fat, sodium and cholesterol and they also contain vitamins B, C and D along with essential minerals. I think it should go without saying but I'll say it anyway...if you aren't sure of the species of mushroom then it is best to leave it alone and just be happy with taking some photos as there are so many species of mushroom that are poisonous and can make you sick and even cause death. "It's best to be safe than sorry"...always! 😉
Thank you @ewkaw for #fungifriday!!
🍄 A camouflage mushroom 😊
Thank you @njord!! It was hidden very well from me but luckily not from my better half..lol. 😉 😁
Thank you very much @pixresteemer!! I hope you had a great New Years celebration!! 🤗 💞
Pheasant Back ...name a nice fit...
Thanks so much @manorvillemike!! I totally agree..it really does resemble the back of a pheasant..or some of them anyway. 😉 🙂
That is a gorgeous fungi Dee. It does look like the feathers on the back of a pheasant and the grouse that roam my backyard.
Thank you so much Jo!! Yes, a grouse also. It is funny, some of the memories that come to mind. I had a golden pheasant many years ago and it reminded me of that. Could never hold it but it sure was pretty to look at. 😊
Thank you @deranged.coin and @pixresteemer!! 🙂
Exactly, we must know the type of fungus that can be consumed.
while we can contemplate its beauty.
Thanks @carlosnoriega and very true!! :)
I am no mushroom expert either and if I see a mushroom I will leave it, but it was interesting to read about this one,especially how it tastes. And you have made nice shots of it.
Thanks so much Neli!! I'm not an expert in any way shape or form but I think I would try this one if I came across another one that wasn't so mature. I did think it best to add the caution to my post though. Don't want anyone getting sick or worse on my account. 🤨
If I ever come across another and get to try it then I'll let you know how it is. 🙂
What a giant! I like hoe he grows around that little stick there.
Happy Fungifriday :)
Thank you very much @ewkaw!! I love that also, it just conformed right around them and added even more character to itself. 😉 🙂
That is one beautiful looking mushroom can't say i have ever seen one like that before.
Happy New Year to you my friend 🍷 🍷
Thanks so much @hangin!! it sure was a beauty! Happy New Year to you also!! 🤗 😊
Thank you and it's my pleasure 🙂