As kids growing up in the mid 1950s, we lived in the constant shadow of the mushroom cloud. Our fearless leaders were so fearful of people on the other side of the pond, we regularly practiced “duck-and-cover” drills in school. At the teacher’s signal, we would dive beneath our flimsy desks, safe from fallout of the atomic bomb. The symbol of evil was the mushroom cloud. The fallout we should have feared was the military-industrial complex that has really brought us to our knees.
The mushroom needs a better PR agent. Granted, about half of the mushroom species we find here in Ohio are poisonous, however, that does not distract from their beauty. The rule to obey is, look but don’t bite.
Walking through the woods it’s hard not to notice the variety of fungi—mushrooms and the like. There are thousands of varieties worldwide, and hundreds here in Ohio. Fungi are said to be among the most diverse groups of living organisms on earth. There’s a real lack of information on these because they’re tough to find. The mushroom, or fruit body of fungi, are often small and inconspicuous. And they get eaten, a lot.
Another challenge in getting a head count is the fact that the plants have good and bad years. There might be plenty to see this season; next year there is nothing. Many are specific to a tree species from which they draw sustenance. All are unique and deserve more than a casual glance. You might have to get down on your hands and knees to get the best view of a mushroom, but for those of us who grew up in the 1950s, ducking for cover is an easily remembered skill.
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