Springtime filled with fungus and flowers
- John Lorson: The Rail Trail Naturalist
- April 29, 2024
- 261
As is typical of Ohio in late April, we find ourselves caught in a push and pull of emotion as spring does its best to lay winter to rest. One day we’re bumping up against the 80 F mark, and the next we’re wondering where we left that stocking cap and sweatshirt during our brief celebration.
As tough as it is for us to adjust, think about what the local flora and fauna go through at this time of year. Much of their activity is moved along by the lengthening of days with little regard for the warmth of the surrounding woods. While a spring wildflower may seem a delicate soul if judged by structure and beauty alone, I find myself frequently amazed at their grit and resiliency. No one runs out to the woods to drape a sheet over a bed of spring beauty when overnight temperatures are forecast to plunge into the 20s, yet still they thrive.
This is the time of year when friends flash a raised eyebrow and chance a quick glance around the room before tilting a phone in your direction to reveal photos of fungus. It’s as if they’re entrusting you with a national secret. The lengths to which mushroom hunters go to guard their honey holes is often comical. I’ve seen dozens of photos of morels this season, ranging in size from a fat thumb to a full fist, but not a single clue as to where any of them might have come from — even from close friends and relatives.
The funny thing is when it comes to hiding your secrets from me, you’re wasting your time. I couldn’t find a morel if I woke up in a bathtub full of them. To wit, I’ve found exactly one specimen in 60 years, and that’s only because I was hoping to spot a wood thrush that was calling nearby.
Despite my innate inability to locate fungal fodder for the frying pan, I am at least mildly adept at finding other things in the woods. It’s a great time for wildflowers, and I’ve been catching my quota each time I’m out. The nice thing about wildflowers is I can freely share where I’ve found them without fear you’ll rush out ahead of me and stuff them all into a brown paper bag to hustle them home.
Whatever your quarry, be sure to get out there after it right now. The world is fully awake and ready for you.
If you have comments on this column or questions about the natural world, write The Rail Trail Naturalist, P.O. Box 170, Fredericksburg, OH 44627, or email jlorson@alonovus.com. You also can follow along on Instagram @railtrailnaturalist.