The fungus among us

[rogue_mother]

When my husband and I went for a hike last Sunday in Scott's Run Nature Preserve, along the banks of the Potomac River in Virginia, we chanced upon a spectacular fungus growing on a fallen log.  Photos are attached.  As best as I can determine through Google, this is either Laetiporus sulphureus or L. cincinnatus, both of which are edible as long as they are growing on hardwood trees rather than conifers.  The growth was at least five feet long.

[bobbi]

That's quite something R_M!

Thanks for sharing the photos of such a pretty (and enormous) shroom.
I've always wondered about the pronouncements of mycologists as to whether different species are edible or not. Doesn't bear thinking about how they know.
My paternal grandfather was a twin and his brother died after eating some mushroom(s) he found out in the forest. This happened when they were about 5 or 6 I think. Not here in New Zealand though - back in Germany in 1890-something.

[technomc]

Beautiful colours RM...
Thanks for those...

[biggerbirdbrain]

Thanks, R-M, they are quite spectacular! Those are the best finds -- the ones just off the beaten path, if one just bothers to look around.