Spring fungi
As winter fades, a new wave of fungal growth begins. Spring brings the first fruiting of species which thrive in moist soils and mild temperatures. Many of these spring specialists form mycorrhizal relationships with tree roots, a mutually beneficially partnership where nutrients are exchanged between fungus and host. As trees ‘wake up’ after a cold winter, and sugars are transported to root tips, fungi activity increases too. Classic spring species, such as morels, are often the first visible sign of these underground interactions. Others to look out for include Elf cups and Verpas!
These spring fungi are highly seasonal, and short-lived, making them even more rewarding to find! Calocybe gambosa, or St George’s mushroom, is a perfect example, appearing briefly around the April celebration!
Many spring fungi are saprotrophic, meaning they break down organic matter, playing a key role in nutrient cycling. By supporting tree growth and soil health, they help kick-start the wider woodland after winter, benefitting plants and animals alike.
Due to the fleeting nature of spring fungi, documenting their presence and accurately identifying the species is essential. This information helps us understand how fungal communities respond to everchanging conditions and seasonal change.
Summer fungi
Temperature increases and warm rains encourage a new cohort of fungi to emerge. Unlike Spring fungi, summer fungi have wider fruiting windows and many appear intermittently throughout the season.
Summer brings long, sunny days, meaning trees are in peak photosynthetic activity. For mycorrhizal fungi this is good news, hence why a vast proportion of this season’s species are. With sugar production and transportation reaching new highs, an elevated level of underground activity can be supported, with fungi bursting out across the woodland floor.
Summer fungi, such as the well-known Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius), aid trees in these elevated temperatures. Their fungal hyphae, comparable to long networks of string, extend far beyond where the tree roots can. Crucially, this allows absorption of more water, meeting inflated demands. Many groups, such as the Brittlegills, also help increase nutrient uptake. These Russula species, classic summer fruiters, aid phosphorus and nitrogen absorption. Phosphorus promotes strong root development, helping with stability, whilst nitrogen is essential for producing chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment, present in leaves, which allows sunlight to be converted into energy through photosynthesis. These mutually beneficial relationships demonstrate the true intelligence and interconnectedness of nature!
Winter fungi
Low temperatures and dark skies are classic hallmarks of winter, but did you know there are a set of fungi to accompany this shift in season. Thriving in frosty, dim conditions, winter fungi sprout when few other organisms do. Flammulina velutipes, or Velvet Shank is a prime example of this, with its specialised anti-freeze proteins, this species can survive harsh winter conditions, while evading ice crystal damage.
Winter mushrooms grow little by little and persist for months. The drop in temperature slows the metabolism of the ecosystem, and reduces competition for resources, such as habitat and nutrients. Bacterial activity drops dramatically, meaning our winter specialist become the primary decomposers. This ensures nutrient cycling continues throughout the colder months, whilst also preparing the soil for spring, densely packing it with nutrients. Hence, many winter fungi are saprotrophic, excelling in wood-decay to maintain airflow and water movement on the forest floor. Turkey tails, or Trametes versicolor, excel at this in the UK, the chances of you spotting one is very high!!
Autumn fungi
Autumn is prime fungi time in the UK, with mushroom growth in full swing. Many species wait all year for this window, and for good reason. Higher humidity levels and cooler temperatures create optimal conditions for widespread fungal growth. Many species, such as the iconic Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric), lay low all year until temperature, moisture and nutrient levels are in perfect balance.
The dying of annual plants and falling of leaves, means there is a plethora of organic matter, creating a nutrient spike. This spike is excellent fuel for igniting the underground activity necessary for fungi to emerge. Although the hidden network of mycelium makes up much of the organism, autumn is when many fungi invest their energy into producing visible fruiting bodies, allowing spores to spread in favourable conditions. This is why the woodlands may suddenly seem full of mushrooms during these months!
Autumnal fungi are mostly saprotrophic, meaning they recycle organic matter. To support the seasonal changes, they must be able to effectively decompose falling leaves and branches. Classic examples of these are Puffballs and Inkcaps, essential for carbon cycling and preparing soil for the cold winter ahead.
Unlike many other fungi, autumn fungi play an important role in woodland food webs. Their growth is vital to a copious range of species, with deer, insects, squirrels and even some birds feeding on their fruiting bodies. Consequently, this helps distribute spores, benefitting the fungi itself and wider ecosystem.
Did you know! Fun fact box
The largest living organism in the world is a fungus. Located in Malheur National Forest, Oregon USA, it covers a suspected 8.9km2 and possibly weighs 35,000 tonnes! It is a Honey Fungus, specifically Armillaria ostoyae, and has dominated the forest floor for over 2000 years.