So, it's mushroom season in NC. Instead of overdosing my followers with fungal content they didn't sign up for, I'm putting it all in a thread. Buckle up...

First, what is mushroom season? Well unlike the western US that gets almost all annual precip in winter, the SE gets a TON of rain in summer, but it comes in waves. When we get a wave, the hot temps and humid conditions trigger fungi to spread some spores.

First up, Amanita jacksonii. This one is super common in the piedmont this time of years. These ones just emerged. They'll be quite tall in a couple of days.

This is also an Amanita, but I don't know which species (I'm no expert). These ones are neat because they have some bite marks. Did you know squirrels eat lots of mushrooms? It's true.

Here are some coral mushrooms. Not the most impressive specimens, but they're always very appreciated.

No idea what this is, but it's a great example of the importance of moisture and coarse woody debris for many fungi. The fungi help break down the cwd and turn it into organic soil, which help retain moisture. It's all connected man. Plus, Bryophytes are pretty.

Ok, Boletus is my absolute favorite group. Look at these things! So cool. They hold their spores in pores instead of gills like more familiar golf mushrooms.

Another bolete. They are so dang gorgeous when they first emerge.