Dyer’s fungi donations needed for Fungus Festival

For a demonstration of mushroom dyes at the upcoming Fungus Festival, Bethany Beech has requested donations of mushrooms suitable for dying wool.  The most common dyer’s mushrooms in our area are the Dyer’s Polypore (Phaeolus schweinitzii), the Tender Nesting Polypore (Hapalopilus rutilans), the Velvet-Footed Tap (Tapinella atrotomentosa), several species in the genera Hydnellum, Phellodon and Sarcodon (toothed mushrooms) including the common Velvet Tooth (Hydnellum spongiosipes). Also, Aureoboletus sp., Cortinarius sp. in the subgenus Dermocybe (including Cortinarius semisanguineus/phoenecius/tinctorum), Inonotus hispidus and Hypomyces lactifluorum.

A selection of the common dyer’s mushrooms and their descriptions can be found at the NAMA web site. A more exhaustive list is available here. Most of these mushrooms can be dried for use in the dying process. Tapinella atrotomentosa is best frozen.

If you want to donate dyer’s mushrooms please contact president@newyorkmyc.org to make arrangements.