Dave Brumfield, Interpretive Naturalist
When people hear “spring mushrooms,” most will immediately think of morels. Yes, they may be the most well-known fungus this time of the year, but many other varieties begin to pop up alongside them after warm spring rains. Some of my favorites are scarlet cups.
As the name indicates, scarlet cups are bright red, making them one of the first splashes of color to be seen in spring on the forest floor. They are nature’s recyclers, decomposing wood and adding nutrients back into the soil. They play an important role in the growth of spring wildflowers. With a careful eye, a walk in the woods can reveal one of these beautiful mushrooms. Please remember not to take mushrooms you find in the Metro Parks — don’t make assumptions about their identification and do not consume them.
If you would like to learn more about scarlet cups and other spring mushrooms, check out our downloadable mushroom field guides.
For more great stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.