The other day I went up in the woods looking for kindling for the woodstove and found this small poplar log (about 4 inches in diameter). When I turned it over, I was surprised to see this brightly-colored blue mold.
Here's another view of the log. Not sure if it's a lichen, algae or mold.
And another close up showing some other lichen and white mold.
Maybe there are some fungi experts out there who can help identify it. For now, I will enjoy the lovely color.
Wow that is amazing color...I hope someone can Id the mold or whatever it is. I did a google search and couldnt come up with anything yet..
ReplyDeletegreat photos..
thanks
Too cool! Hmmm. Did you touch it? Was it slimey? It doesn't really look like a slime mold. It looks like the off white lichen in structure next to it. I wonder if it is the whitish lichen, but with a mold growing on it. May be it has a virus. Do lichens get viruses? What an interesting picture!
ReplyDeleteOkay doke, maybe I should just check my guides first before I post! I think it is Pulcherricium caeruleum the spreading blue velvet fungus.
ReplyDeleteI googled it and came up with this neat site:
http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/july2000.html
here is a good photo that matches yours:
http://morelmushroomhunting.com/pulcherricium_caeruleum.htm
Thanks for posting the photo. I learned something.
dAwN--thanks for the note. I love the color too.
ReplyDeletePam--thanks so much for giving me those websites. Yes, I think you're right--it's Pulcherricium caeruleum. The description fits perfectly. I will post so people can see your id.
ReplyDeletethat's 'Blue Velvet Spread' according to national Audubon's field guide to north American mushrooms.
ReplyDelete