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You can see my observation on the iNaturalist site here. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/286503751

A Welcome Sight in Spring

Today’s woodland walk brought a delightful surprise: a beautiful cluster of Dryad’s Saddle mushrooms, also known as Polyporus squamosus. This impressive bracket fungus often appears on dead or dying hardwood trees—particularly elm, maple, or box elder—and is a welcome herald of spring.

First Impressions

Dryad’s Saddle gets its name from the old belief that wood nymphs, or “dryads,” might use the broad, flat caps as resting places. The ones I observed were striking: pale yellow-tan with prominent brown scales, like a leopard’s spots on a saddle-shaped fungus. Each cap was about 6 to 10 inches across—though they can grow even larger—and stacked in overlapping shelves on the side of a fallen log.

Ecological Role

Dryad’s Saddle is a saprobic fungus, meaning it helps decompose dead organic matter, playing a key role in nutrient cycling in the forest. It can also behave as a weak parasite, growing on living trees and slowly contributing to their decline. Either way, it’s an indicator of ecological transition: the renewal of life through decay.

Edibility and Foraging Notes

This mushroom is edible when young, before the flesh becomes tough and woody. Foragers often slice thin, young specimens and sauté them with garlic or herbs. The flavor is mild, sometimes compared to cucumber or watermelon rind—though texture is the key consideration. Once mature, they become inedible due to their leathery consistency. When I saw it, it was too late for harvesting.

⚠️ Caution: Always be absolutely sure of your identification before consuming wild mushrooms. Mistakes can be dangerous. When in doubt, consult a local expert or mycologist.

Further Reading

MushroomExpert.com: Polyporus squamosus

EdibleWildFood.com: Dryad’s Saddle

Heaven Pagac 7mo ago

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