Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom

Today I’m taking you mushroom picking and we’re after Early Morels. Alongside True Morels, Early Morels are among the first substantial edible mushrooms of the year (unlike Scarlet Elf Cups, which are also early season mushrooms, but very scarce and rather small, and thus unsubstantial). They grow in early spring and are delicious. They can … Continue reading “Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom”

Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom

Even though I filmed this video very early in the season, when hardly anything else blooms, leastways not among the trees and bushes, Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa), also known as “Sloe” in England is all out. Yet in my climate, even though it’s technically already Spring, we get at best +6 degrees Celsius during the day, … Continue reading “Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom”

Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom

In this video you can learn how to identify and use the Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – an edible and tasty mushroom. As its name suggests, the Scarlet Elf Cup is a cup shaped fungus which features this rich, red, or scarlet color. The exterior is pale and dull, but the interior is bright … Continue reading “Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom”

How to Identify Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis Pinicola) – Shelf Fungus with Medicinal Properties

Fomitopsis Pinicola, otherwise known as the Red Belted Polypore, is a basiaiomycete fungus of the Fomitopsidaceae family. While its botanical (Latin) name refers to the conifers on which it predominantly grows, its vernacular name returns to the characteristic red band lining the outer edge of the upper side of the mushroom. Red Belted Polypore Identification … Continue reading “How to Identify Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis Pinicola) – Shelf Fungus with Medicinal Properties”

Alder Tree (Alnus sp.) – How to Identify and Know Difference from Hazel

The Alder (Alnus species) is a genus of a tree, or a shrub, belonging to the Birch family (Betulaceae). There are a few dozen species of the Alder growing around the world. Here in Central Europe, three species occur natively: Green Alder (Alnus Alnobetula), Grey Alder (Alnus Incana) and Black Alder (Alnus Glutinosa). The Black … Continue reading “Alder Tree (Alnus sp.) – How to Identify and Know Difference from Hazel”