Shaggy scalycaps

 We found these magnificent shaggy scalycaps Pholiota squarrosa growing around the base of a mature ash tree in Auckland park, Bishop Auckland. They've appeared in the same place for several autumns now and I wonder how long it will be before they weaken the roots so much that the tree will come crashing down in  gale.

 I've also seen shaggy scalycaps growing on old beech trees in the park - these were growing inside the hollow trunk of a beech that died long ago.

Shaggy Scalycap

It has been a wonderful autumn for fungal forays around here. We found this fine cluster of shaggy scalycaps Pholiota squarrosa growing around the base of a moribund beech tree in the Bishop's Park in Bishop Auckland on Sunday.

The scales that cover the cap and stipe of this species are distinctive. It is supposed to taste of radishes. I'm content to take the field guide's word for that - it's not edible.