I often see a few mushrooms in the Sandias near the end of the summer: late August, September, maybe even in October if it’s been a wet year. This year, though, I first saw mushrooms on July 16. July 16, in the middle of what’s usually the hottest, driest month of the year. I thought they were fairly large and added a $10 bill to show scale.1
Last weekend, the high Sandias essentially exploded with mushrooms, most of which I had never ever seen before. The mushrooms below — growing out of a tree stump — were some of the tiniest.2
Here are some more tiny mushrooms, growing from a bed of moss.
I wasn’t sure what the white growth toward the upper left was so I did a bit of research. I believe it’s a coral fungus, although I have no idea which type. Apparently there are many species of coral fungi.3
I went back up a few days ago. Although there were fewer mushrooms, I did spot this yellow stuff high on a rock.
I happened upon its name(s) later the same day. It’s often called golden jelly fungus; its other names are yellow trembler, yellow brain, and witches’ butter.4
More mushrooms to come — these are just the proverbial tip of the iceberg.
US paper money is about 6 inches by 2 1/2 inches. Just in case you haven’t measured any lately.
Apparently cash is the only unit of measurement I routinely hike with.
I am so unfamiliar with fungi that I don’t even know how to pronounce it.
I know Latin names are more precise (this fungus is Tremella mesenterica) but I usually much prefer “common” names. They’re often so descriptive (“yellow brain”) or whimsical (“witches’ butter”) — or both.
Fungi is pronounced with a soft "g", like a "j". Great photos, Lisa! I rarely remember mushrooms in any part of the Sandias. Nice finds!