09/29/2026
🍂🍄 A Little Underwater World in the Woods! 🍄🌊
Fall is a beautiful time to slow down and look closely at the forest floor. You might spot fungi that look like they belong somewhere completely different—like this Crown-Tipped Coral Fungus (Artomyces pyxidatus), which looks almost like a tiny coral reef growing on a fallen tree!
One of its best identification clues? 🌳
Unlike many coral fungi that grow on the ground, Crown-Tipped Coral Fungus grows directly on dead hardwood. It can be found growing alone or in groups on fallen wood, especially aspens, poplars, tulip trees, willows, and maples.
Its yellowish-tan branches have distinctive crown-shaped tips, giving it the appearance of a tiny enchanted castle. 🏰🍄
Fruiting bodies are typically about 2–5 inches tall and ¾–2½ inches wide.
But what we see above the log is only part of the story! Beneath the surface, this fungus exists as a network of microscopic threads called mycelium. The mycelium digests the wood, helping break down tough plant material and return nutrients to the ecosystem. When conditions are right, it produces the branching structure we recognize as the mushroom, releasing spores to begin the next generation. 🌱
Fungi like Crown-Tipped Coral are incredibly important decomposers, recycling nutrients from dead wood and helping keep forest ecosystems healthy.
Look, don't collect! 👀
As a friendly reminder, Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.08 states that no person shall harvest, collect, deface, or disturb any portion of a native plant or native fungi within the Park System.
So, on your next fall walk, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating little “coral reefs” of the forest!
📸: Wehr Nature Center
