Slime Molds & Fungi of the J.J. Collett Natural Area, Alberta – 7 March 2018

SLIME MOLDS & FUNGI OF THE J.J. COLLETT NATURAL AREA, ALBERTA

Report prepared for Alberta Environment and Parks

Charles Durham Bird, Box 22, Erskine, AB, T0C 1G0; [email protected]

March 7, 2018

The Area

Aerial photograph and Trail Map of the Natural Area

The J.J. Collett Provincial Natural Area is located in rural central Alberta near the hamlet of Morningside. It consists of 635 acres of Aspen Parkland underlain by ancient sand dunes. Over 18 km of maintained trails wind through a mosaic of shrub lands, aspen groves, stands of white spruce on moist shady hillsides, wetlands and grassy meadows typical of the area. 1

White spruce woods on Trail 4

“Before 1974, the area presently known as the J. J. Collett Natural Area was privately owned and the site of logging and mill operation and pasture grazing. The marsh in the northeast corner was drained by an adjacent landowner. In 1974, 240 ha (600 acres) were purchased by the Alberta Department of Environment in trust that the area would be used for environmental education (NAP 1987). In 1975, a protected reservation was applied to the area and administration was transferred to Alberta Energy and Natural Resources. Ducks Unlimited Canada was granted a license in 1976 to construct a water control structure in an attempt to reestablish the drained marsh in the northeast corner of the natural area. Most of the area was designated a provincial natural area in 1976 by an Order in Council (OC 653/76). In 1982, an additional 16.2 ha (40 acres) were obtained and placed under protective notation (PNT 820462). In the same year, a pipeline right-of-way was granted to Northwestern Utilities Ltd. The J. J. Collett Foundation was incorporated in 1985 in order to manage the site.” (K. Timoney & A. Robinson, 2009). The Lepidoptera of the area have been studied by the author from 2002-2013 and the results are listed in Bird 2012 and 2013.

PROVINCIAL PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS ARE IMPORTANT

Ninety five percent of the native habitats in the Aspen Parkland of Alberta have been lost. More habitat loss will occur unless steps are taken to prevent this from happening. It is important to remember that various rare, or even endangered species, occur in these habitats and their existence is threatened if further habitat loss occurs. Provincial Parks and other areas where natural vegetation is protected are of great value as the flora and fauna present in them are typical of what was in Alberta before widespread agricultural, petroleum and logging activities, as well as urban expansion, replaced them with “weedy” species and those associated with cultivated grains and hay crops. As a result, many of Alberta’s “rare and endangered” species are now found only, or mainly, in such protected areas.

THE WEBSITE FOR THE AREA

The Natural Area has an extremely good website - http://www.jjcollett.com/. Included in it are checklists of the Fungi, Lichens, Bryophytes and Vascular Plants as well as ones dealing with various animal, bird and insect groups. There are also many excellent photographs in a series of Galleries.

IDENTIFICATION AIDS The following books have been especially helpful for identification.

Arora, D. 1986. Mushrooms demystified. Ten Speed Press. 959 pp. Ginns, J. 2017. Polypores of British Columbia (Fungi, Basidiomycota). Prov. B.C., Victoria, Tech. Report 104. 260 pp. Lincoff, G. & C. Nehring. 1981. The Audubon Society Field Guide to the North American Mushrooms. Chanticleer Press. Miller, O.K. & H.H. Miller. 2006. North American Mushrooms, a field guide to Edible and Inedible fungi. Falcon Guides. 584 pp. Phillips, R. 2010. Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America. Firefly Books. 384 pp. Schalkwijk-Barendsen, H.M.E., 1994. Mushrooms of Northwest North America. Lone Pine. 414 pp.

Help was also obtained from the downloadable resource Matchmaker (http://www.svims.ca/council/matchmaker.htm), Mycokey 4.1 and from http://mushroomobserver.org/.

PRECAUTIONS

Identifications have been made by comparison with illustrations and information available in the literature. Herbarium specimens have not always been collected. Some spore prints were made but spores have seldom been examined with a compound microscope. Readers should be aware that one can do only so much with photographs and that more detailed examination of a specimen may result in a different species name. Also, one should realize that not all of the local species are covered in the abovementioned literature and that a listing of all of the fungi known for Alberta has yet to be put together. The Alberta Mycological Society has, however, been working on a database of known collections and observations. A paper by P. Kroeger and S. M. Berch, published in 2017, titled “Macrofungus species of British Columbia” (Prov. B.C., Victoria, B.C. Tech. Rep. 68) lists over 3000 species. While Alberta cannot be expected to have nearly as many species as British Columbia it is obvious that new discoveries remain to be made and that certain genera like Cortinarius, Russula and Ramaria require further study. Taxonomic work is still needed in various groups and some current species concepts may change. DNA sequencing studies, in particular, may lead to the naming of new species or the realignment of species within Families or even Orders. Henry Beker and his group recently made a major revision of the genus Hebeloma in Europe and are now turning their attention to North America.

PRESENCE OR ABSENCE AND SEASONAL VARIATION

The presence or absence of most mushrooms depends to a large extent on soil moisture. When levels are high, mushrooms are reasonably common from spring to fall. Fewer mushrooms show up in the spring and early summer if soil moisture levels are low, for example, morels show up only in years with high spring moisture levels. Similarly, mushrooms are scarce in the late summer and fall if soil moisture levels are low. The latter was true in 2017.

SPECIES LIST

Numbers in year, month, date and image order refer to photographs taken by Charles Bird; those in bold are in the Fungi Gallery of the J.J. Collett website (http://www.jjcollett.com/); numbers preceded by BIRD refer to voucher specimens in the author’s Herbarium. The latter will eventually be placed in a major public Herbarium, possibly at the University of Alberta. The scientific names used in older publications are often out-of-date because of more recent research. The most up-to-date names can be found in Index Fungorum and those are the ones that are used herein.

MYXOMYCETES (Slime Molds) Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa (Coral Slime Mold) – 20140823-5; 20150725-12; 20160827-8. Fuligo leviderma (Fuligo Slime Mold) – 20140927-3 & 3a; 20140927-8, 8a & 8b; 20150829-1; 20160827-11 & 11a. Leocarpus fragilis (Egg-shell Slime Mold) – 20131006-22 & 23.

Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa Lycogala epidendrum

Lycogala epidendrum (Wolf’s Milk Slime Mold) – 20140830-29; 20140906-7; 20140920-9; 20140927-6, 20150829-14; 20160702-3; 20160827-1; 20160903-1.

FUNGI ASCOMYCOTA Apiosporina collinsii (Black leaf or Witch’s broom of Saskatoon) – 20141011-16. A. morbosa (Black Knot) – 20120922-14. Bisporella citrina (Lemon Disc Fungus) – 20130831-8; 20150829-14. Chlorociboria aeruginascens (Emerald Cup or Green Stain Fungus) – 20131006-24. Discina perlata (Pig’s Ears) – 20130831-7. Entoleuca mammata (Hypoxylon mammatum) (Hypoxylon Canker of Aspen) – seen but not photographed or collected. Exophiala (Caliciopsis) calicioides – 20130511-4, 5 & 5a; BIRD37626, 20171202-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. Humaria hemisphaerica (Hairy Brown Cup) – 20140614-9; 20140621-6 & 7.

Discina perlata Humaria hemisphaerica

Morchella elata (angusticeps) (Black Morel) – 20160514-13; BIRD37190, 20170521-7 & 7a. Nectria cinnabarina (Coral Spot Canker) – 20160319-2; BIRD36810, 20160409-10; 20160521-1. Neobulgaria pura (Jelly Disc) – 20150613-11 & 11a. Otidea alutacea (Ear-like Fungus) – 20140614-6; 20140621-7; BIRD36598, 20150613-9 & 9a; 20150620-3. O. onotica (Donkey Ears or Orange Otidea) – 20140614-9. Peziza repanda (Brown Cup) – BIRD36901, 20160702-4. Phragmidium potentillae (rust on Potentilla anserina) – BIRD37031, 20160820-4 & 4a. Ptychoverpa bohemica (Wrinkled or Early Morel) – 20140607-1; 20150504-2, 3, 4 & 5.

Morchella elata Ptychoverpa bohemica

Rhytidiella baranyayi (False Chaga) – 20160227-6. Rust on Thalictrum venulosum – 20160620-3. Sclerencoelia (Encoelia) pruinosa (Sooty-bark Canker of Aspen) – BIRD37170, 20170401-2, 2a & 2b. Scutellinia scutellata (Eyelash Cup) – 20131006-21; 20160827-7.

BASIDIOMYCOTA Agaricales Agaricus arvensis (Horse Mushroom) – 20160702-1 & 1a; 20160709-1 & 1a. A. augustus (The Prince) – 20150704-9, 9a & 9b; 20150718-5 & 5a; 20150829-16 & 16a.

A. silvicola (Wood Agaricus) – 20120908-9 & 10; 20140830-16 & 16a; 20140830-17; 20140830-23 & 23a; 20140906-17 & 17a; 20150725-1 & 1a; 20150725-7 & 7a; 20150725-10, 10a & 10b; 20150822-17 & 17a; 20150829-8, 20150829-8a, 20150829-9, 20150829-9a; 20150829-16 & 16a; 20160820-1, 1a & 1b; 20160827-13, 13a & 13b; 20160910-6 & 6a; 20160924-5 & 5a. Agrocybe praecox (Spring Agrocybe) – BIRD36919, 20160709-10 & 10a. Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) – 20150822-1; 20160820-17 & 17a. A. vaginata (Grisette) – BIRD36977, 20160730-4 & 4a; 20160820-11 & 11a; 20160827-16 & 16a. Armillaria mellea (Honey Mushroom) – 20110910-4 & 5; 20120908-11; 20120922-20; 20140928-7 & 7a; 20150822-5 & 5a; 20150822-6 & 6a; 20150822-9 & 9a; 20150822-11 & 11a; 20150822-16 & 16a; 20150822-21, 21a & 21b; 20150912-3, 3a & 3b; 20150912-15 & 15a; 20150912-16, 16a & 16b; 20150912-19 & 19a; 20150919-5 & 5a; BIRD37112, 20160924-2, 2a, 2b & 2c. Aspropaxillus (Leucopaxillus) septentrionalis – BIRD36968, 20160723-8, 8a & 8b. Baeospora myriadophylla (Lavender Baeospora) – 20140906-1; 20160716-7, 20160716-7a, BIRD36986. Bovista plumbea (Lead-colored Puffball) – 20120908-12; 20130511-2; 20140906-18; 20160716-5 & 5a; 20160723-4 & 4a; 20160723-9, 9a & 9b.

Bovista plumbea Calvatia booniana

Calvatia booniana (Giant Western Puffball) – 20140830-37 & 37a. Cantharellula umbonata (Grayling) – BIRD37060, 20160827-15 & 15a. Chrysomphalina chrysophylla (Golden-gilled Mushroom) – 20140913-4 & 4a; 20140913-10 & 10a. Clitocybe gibba (Slim Funnel Mushroom) – 20130817-17; 20140913-19 & 19a; 20140927-14 & 14a; BIRD36644, 20150725-3, 3a, 3b & 3c; 20150725-5 & 5a; 20150725-6, 6a & 6b; 20150822-20 & 20a; 20150912-13, 13a & 13b; BIRD36917 20160709-8 & 8a; BIRD36978, 20160730-7 & 7a; 20160820-13 & 13a. C. maxima (Large White Clitocybe) – 20140823-14; 20140927-17 & 17a; 20140927-18; 20150912-5, 5a & 5b; BIRD37029, 20160820-2 & 2a; 20160730-5 & 5a; 20160820-7, 7a, 7b & 7c; BIRD37086, 20160910-3, 3a & 3b. C. odora (White Anise-scented Clitocybe) – 20130831-17 & 18; 20150822-12 & 12a. C. robusta (Strong or Sturdy Clitocybe) – 20120915-16 & 17; 20140830-33, 33a & 33b; 20140927-15; 20140927-16 & 16a; 20150927-2, 2a & 2b; 20150927-5; 20160820-5 & 5a; 20160820-9, 9a & 9b. Conocybe apala var. albipes (Milky Cone-cap Mushroom) – BIRD36645, 20150725-4, 4a & 4b. C. kuehneriana (Kuehner’s Conocybe) – 20140816- 1 & 2; BIRD36916, 20160709-7 & 7a. C. lactea (White Dunce Cap) – 20150725-4, 4a & 4b. Coprinellus ellisii (Woodchip Coprinus) – BIRD36597, 20150613-8 & 8a. C. uliginicola (Bog Psathyrella) – 20150926-5; 20160820-16 & 16a.

Coprinopsis atramentaria (Coprinus atramentarius) (Smooth Inky Cap) – 20120915-11 & 12; 20130817- 14 & 15; 20130831-10; 20140830-1 & 2; 20140830-34, 34a, 34b & 34c; 20150822-14 & 14a; 20150822-31, 31a & 31b; 20160625-2, 2a & 2b; 20160903-12 & 12a; 20160924-1 & 1a . C. picacea (Magpie Inky Cap) – 20150620-2, 20150620-2a. C. micaceus (Glistening Inky Cap) – 20140913-3; 20160723-2. C. lignicola – BIRD37034, 20160820-16 & 16a. Coprinopsis or Coprinella (on moose droppings) – 20140823-1, 20140823-1a; 20140823-4, 20140823-5, 20140823-6, 20140823-7, 20140823-8, 20140823-9, 20140823-10, 20140823-12, 20140823-13; 20140830-5 & 6. Cortinarius sp. – 20110910-3; 20130817-19 & 20; 20140823-6 & 6a; 20140823-12 & 12a; 20140927-19 & 19a; 20160903-7 & 7a; BIRD37075, 20160903-10 & 10a. C. alboviolaceus (Silvery-violet Cortinarius) – 20130831-1; 20130831-26, 27 & 28; 20150822-8 & 8a; 20150829-5 & 5a; 20150912-21 & 21a. C. multiformis (Variable Cortinarius) – 20140823-11 & 11a; 20140830-3; 20140913-23 & 23a; 20140913-25.

Cortinarius alboviolaceus Cortinarius semisanguineus

C. semisanguineus (Red-gilled Cortinarius) – 20140928-6, 20140928-6a, 20140928-6b; 20140928-9. C. trivialis (Early Cortinarius) – 20160820-12, 12a & 12b. Crepidotus cinnabarinus (Red Crepidotus) – 20150613-6 & 6a; 20151031-1 & 1a, BIRD36754, 20151031-2 & 2a. C. mollis (Soft Crepidotus) – 20140913-21 & 21a; 20140920-10 & 10a; BIRD36599, 20150613-10 & 10a. Cuphophyllus virgineus (Snow-white Waxgill) – 20150927-6; BIRD37113, 20160924-3 & 3a. Cystoderma amianthinum (Unspotted Cystoderma, Earthy Powdercap or Saffron Powder-cap) – 20150822-30. C. carcharias (Pearly Powdercup) – 20150829-10 & 10a; 20150829-11 & 11a; 20150912-20, 20a, 20b & 20c. Gymnopus (Collybia) confluens (Tufted Collybia) – BIRD36616, 20150704-8, 8a & 8b; BIRD36920, 20160709-11, 11a & 11b. G. (Collybia) dryophilus (Forest-loving Collybia) – 20130831-14; 20140614-10; BIRD36595, 20150613- 5 & 5a; 20150620-4 & 4a; 20150704-4 & 4a; 20150704-6, 6a & 6b; 20150704-8, 8a & 8b; 20150718-1 & 1a; 20150718-4 & 4a; 20160625-3 & 3a; 20160825-9; BIRD36873, 20160625-11 & 11a; 20160709-2 & 2a. Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Poison Pie) – 20160827-2, 2a & 2b; 20160827-19 & 19a. H. mesophaeum (Dark-centered Hebeloma) – 20140920-20 & 20a. 7

Hemimycena gracilis (Slender White Bog Mushroom) – BIRD36596, 20150613-7 & 7a,. Hygrophorus agathosmus (Grey Almond Waxycap) – 20140920-22 & 22a. H. eburneus (Ivory Wax Cap) – 20140927-10 & 10a. H. erubescens (Reddening Waxgill) – BIRD37030, 20160820-3 & 3a. H. olivaceoalbus (Sheated Waxgill) – 20150926-1. H. piceae (Spruce Waxgill) – 20140830-22; 20140913-13 & 13a; 20140913-29 & 29a; 20150822-2 & 2a; 20150829-2 & 2a; 20150829-12 & 12a; 20150912-2, 2a, 2b & 2c; 20150912-4, 4a, 4b & 4c; BIRD37090, 20160910-12 & 12a; BIRD37114, 20160924-4 & 4a. H. pudorinus (Blushing Waxgill) – 20140927-12 & 12a. Hypholoma capnoides (Conifer Tuft) – 20140906-4; 20140920-26 & 26a. Hypsizygus tesselatus (marmoreus) (Western Hypsizygus or Shimeji) – 20140906 -13 & 13a; 20140920- 2, 2a & 2b; 20150829-2 & 2a. Inocybe dulcamara (Brown Scaly Inocybe) – 20140928-4 & 4a. I. fastigiata (Deadly Inocybe) – 20160827-17 & 17a. I. geophylla (Little White Inocybe) – 20140906-6 & 6a; 20150822-15 & 15a. I. sororia (Cornsilk Inocybe) – 20140614-10. Laccaria laccata (Orange Laccaria or Common Deceiver) – 20140927-26 & 26a. Lepiota alba (Small White Lepiota) – 20130831- 19 & 20; 20160903-4 & 4a. L. clypeolaria (Shaggy-stalked Parasol) – 20140830-18 & 18a; 20140830-27 & 27a; 20140830-30 & 30a; 20140830-32 & 32a; 20140913-9, 9a & 9b; 20140913-15 & 15a; 20140913-20 & 20a; 20140913- 24 & 24a; 20150912-18 & 18a; 20160820-8 & 8a; 20160827-14 & 14a; 20160903-6, 6a & 6b. Lepista inversa (Orange Funnel Cap) – 20140913-26, 26a & 26b; BIRD36967, 20160723-7, 7a & 7b; 20160827-9, 20160827-9a. Lepista irina (False or Flowery Blewit) – 20120915-24 & 25; 20130831-21, 22, 23 & 24; 20140913-22 & 22a; 20140920-14 & 14a; 20140920-15 & 15a; 20140920-23 & 23a; 20150822-7 & 7a; 20150822-10, 10a & 10b; 20150829-28 & 28a; 20150912-17, 17a, 17b & 17c; 20160730-6, 6a, 6b & 6c; BIRD37073, 20160903-8 & 8a. Leucoagaricus americanus (American Parasol) – 20150711-2, 20150711-2a, 20150711-2b, BIRD36619. L. giganteus (Giant Leucopax) – 20150912-23, 23a & 23b; 20150912-24, 24a, 24b & 24c; 20160723-12, 12a & 12b. L. piceinus var. albissimus (Spruce Leucopax) – 20160820-6 & 6a. Limacella illinita (White Limacella) – 20140920-5 & 5a. Lycoperdon perlatum (Warted or Gem-studded Puffball) – 20140913-1a, 1b & 1c; 20150822-23 & 23a; 20150822-32; 20150829-6; 20160319-1; BIRD37077, 20160903-13, 13a, 13b & 13c; 20160910- 4 & 4a; 20160910-5 & 5a.

Lycoperdon perlatum Lycoperdon umbrinum 8

L. pyriforme (Pear-shaped Puffball) – 20120915-15; 20140830-28; 20140913-1; 20140920-4 & 4a; 20150822-18; 20150927-4. L. umbrinum (Umber Puffball) – 20160827-18. Marasmius epiphyllus (White Pinwheel) – 20140906-14; 20140913-5 & 5a; 20140913-18, 18a & 18b. M. pallidocephalus (Conifer Pinwheel) – BIRD36601, 20150613-12 & 12a; BIRD36647, 20150725-11 & 11a; 20160625-5, 5a & 5b; BIRD36872, 20160625-10 & 10a. M. oreades (Fairy Ring Mushroom) – 20140830-36; 20140927-20. M. strictipes (Tightly Bunched Marasmius) – BIRD36900, 20160702-2 & 2a; BIRD36902, 20160702-5 & 5a. Melanoleuca alboflavida (Yellowish-white Melanoleuca) – 20140927-24, 20140927-24a; BIRD37084, 20160910-1, 1a & 1b. Morganella subincarnata (Flesh-colored Puffball) – 20140823-15. Mycena epipterygia (Yellow-stalked Mycena) – 20140920-25 & 25a. M. galericulata (Common Tufted Mycena) – 20120915-13 & 14; 20140913-27. M. haematopus (Bleeding Fairy Helmet or Blood-foot Mushroom) – 20140621-8; 20160903-2 & 2a; BIRD37091, 20160910-13 & 13a. M. leaiana (Orange Mycena) – 20120713-14; 20140913-28; 20140920-18 & 18a. M. macrocystidea? – BIRD36615, 20150627-5, 5a & 5b. M. pura (Pink or Lilac Mycena) – BIRD36600, 20150613-11, 11a & 11b; 20160709-9, 20160709-9a, BIRD36918. M. rorida (Slippery Mycena) – 20140927-22 & 22a, 20140927-23. M. rosella (Pink Bonnet) – 20140913-11 & 11a; 20141011-12 & 12a. M. stannea (Pewter Mycena) – 20140906-2 & 2a. Panaeolus foensisecii (Haymaker’s Mushroom) – 20140913-8 & 8a. Phaeocollybia christinae (Christine’s Rootshank) – 20140927-21. Pholiota squarrosa (Scaly Pholiota) – 20140816-4, 20140816-5; 20141002-6 & 6a; 20150912-25, 25a & 25b; 20150912-26. Phyllotopsis nidulans (Smelly Oyster) – 20140928-10 & 10a; 20150613-6 & 6a; 20151031-1 & 1a; 20151031-2 & 2a; BIRD36966. 20160723-5 & 5a; BIRD37076, 20160903-11, 11a & 11b; BIRD37092, 20160910-15 & 15a. Pleurotus dryinus (Veiled Oyster) – 20100926-9, 20100926-10, 20100926-11; 20150822-3 & 3a.

Pholiota squarrosa Pleurotus populinus

P. populinus (Oyster Mushroom) – 20120908-17, 20120908-18; 20120915-18, 20120915-19; 20130602- 4, 20130817-16; 20140906-11; 20150613-3, 3a & 3b; 20150620-5; 20150627-1 & 1a; BIRD36613, 20150627-2 & 2a; 20150627-3 & 3a. 9

Pluteus lutescens (Yellow-stalked Deer Mushroom) – BIRD37072, 20160903-5, 5a & 5b. Psathyrella megaspora (Big-spored Psathyrella) – 20140913-14 & 14a. P. uliginicola (Bog Psathyrella) – 20160709-3 & 3a. Rhodocollybia butyracea (Buttery Collybia) – BIRD36643, 20150725-2 & 2a; 20150912-11, 11a, 11b & 11c. Rickenella fibula (Orange Pin Mushroom) – 20140719- 9, 20140719-10, 20140719-11; 20140920-13 & 13a; BIRD36594, 20150613-4 & 4a. Stropharia coronilla (Garland Roundhead) – BIRD36728, 20150912-3, 3a & 3b. Tricholoma inamoenum (Ill-scented Tricholoma) – 20160910-11 & 11a. T. terreum (Earthy Tricholoma) – BIRD36969, 20160723-11, 11a & 11b. T. vaccinum (Scaly Tricholoma) – BIRD37074, 20160903-9 & 9a; BIRD37085, 20160910-2, 2a & 2b. Tricholomopsis rutilans (King’s Coat) – BIRD36965, 20160723-3, 3a & 3b. Tubaria furfuracea (Fringed Tubaria) - 20140830-21, 21a & 21b. Xeromphalina fraxinipholia (Rufus Fuzzyfoot) – 20130831-15, 20130831-16; 20150927-1 & 1a.

Dacrymycetales Dacrymyces chrysospermus (palmatus) (Orange Jelly Fungus) – 20100926-5; 20131006-16; 20130831-9; 20140830-25 & 25a; 20140930-20; 20150822-26; 20160910-8; 20160910-14. D. stillatus (Common Jelly-spot Fungus) – 20160723-10.

Boletales Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (False Chanterelle) – 20150926-4 & 4a. Leccinum insigne (Aspen Bolete) – 20160716-3 & 3a. L. ochraceum (Ochre Roughstem) – 20160730-3 & 3a.

Gomphales Ramaria abietina (Green-staining Coral) – 20141011-15 & 15a; 20150829-4.

Ramaria abietina Clavulina cristata

Cantharellales Clavulina cristata (White-crested Coral Fungus) – 20150704-7 & 7a; 20150822-13; BIRD36985, 20160716-6 & 6a; BIRD37033, 20160820-14, 14a, 14b & 14c.

Gloeophyllales

Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Rusty-gilled Polypore) – 20131012-13 & 14; 20140920-19 & 19a; 20140927-1, 1a & 1b; 20141011-13 & 13a; BIRD36575, 20141025-9 & 9a; BIRD37055, 20160827-3 & 3a; BIRD37089, 20160910-10 & 10a.

Polyporales Antrodia serialis – BIRD36747, 20151017-1; BIRD37141, 20161029-4, 4a & 4b. Bjerkandera adusta (Smoky Polypore or Smoky Bracket) – 20140920-8 & 8a; 20140920-17 & 17a; BIRD36762,20160227-2, 20160227-3; 20160305-13, 20160305-14, 20160305-15, 20160305-16; 20160305-13, 20160305-14, 20160305-15, 20160305-16; 20160305-19; BIRD36801, 20160402- 3; BIRD36803, 20160409-2 & 2a; 20160409-4; 20160409-8 & 8a, BIRD36808; BIRD37059, 20160827-12 & 12a; BIRD37183, 20170520-3 & 3a. Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket) – 20130831-11; 20140906-8 & 8a; 20140906-10; 20140913- 17 & 17a.

Bjerkandera adusta Fomes fomentarius

Fomes fomentarius (Tinder Conk) – 20110910-2; 20120908-13 &14; 20120915-1, 20120915-2, 20120915-8; 20131014-2; 20140920-12; 20140927-4 & 4a, 20140927-5; 20141018-1; 20141025- 7; 20151010-2, 2a, 2b & 2c; 20160227-1. Fomitopsis pinicola (Red-belted Bracket) – 20120915-5; 20140830-14; 20140830-19; 20140830-26; 20140913-7; 20150620-1 & 1a; 20160521-3 & 3a; BIRD37140, 20161029-3, 3a, 3, 3c, 3d & 3e. F. rosea (Pink-hoof Polypore) - BIRD37056, 20160827-4 & 4a. Ganoderma applanatum (Artist’s Bracket) – 20120915-9, 20120915-10; 20140823-8 & 8a; 20141025-8; 20150829-15; 20150919-4 & 4a; 20160402-4; 20160227-4a; 20160409-6, 6a, 6b & 6c. Gloeoporus dichrous (Gelatinous-pored Polypore) –20130921-3; 20131009-11; 20140920-16 & 16a; 20140927-9 & 9a; 20140927-11 & 11a. Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) – 20141011-1. Irpex lacteus (Milk-white Toothed Polypore) – BIRD36915,20160709-4, 4a & 4b. Lentinus strigosus (Hairy Oyster) – BIRD36976, 20160730-2, 2a & 2b. Lenzites betulina (White-gilled Polypore) – 20120908-16; 20120922-17; 20140426-2, 20140426-3 & 3a; 20140906-9 & 9a; 20140906-10; BIRD36726, 20150912-9 & 9a; BIRD36798, 20160326-6 & 6a. Oxyporus similis – BIRD37139 (det. J. Ginns, 20 Nov 2017), 20161022-1, 1a, 1b, 1c & 1d. Phellinus igniarius (Willow Bracket Fungus) – 20140920-7 & 7a; 20140927-7 & 7a; 20150509-1, 20150509-2. Phellinus pini (Red Ring rot) – 20141011-4 & 4a. Phellinus tremulae (False Tinder Conk) – 20140927-2 & 2a. Phlebia radiata (Wrinkled Crust) – 20150704-5, 5a & 5b; 20150718-3. 11

Polyporus alveolaris (Hexagonal-pored Polypore) – 20140920-21 & 21a; 20141011-10 & 10a. P. badius (Blackleg or Liver-brown Polypore) – BIRD36614, 20150627-4, 4a & 4b. P. varius (Penny Size Blackfoot) – 20120713-15, 20120713-16; 20150912-14 & 14a. Postia sp. - 20140913-16; BIRD36802, 20160409-1 & 1a; BIRD37058, 20160827-10 & 10a; 20160730- 8. Punctularia strigoso-zonata (Zoned Phlebia) – 20131006-25 & 26; 20140928-1, 1a , 1b, 1c & 1d; BIRD37032, 20160820-10 & 10a. Pycnoporellus alboluteus (Orange Sponge Polypore) – 20160910-9 & 9a; BIRD37088; 20161112-6, 6a, 6b, 6c & 6d; BIRD37154. Trametes sp. – BIRD36562, 20141018-2 & 2a. T. hirsuta (Hairy Bracket) – 20120915-6 & 7; 20141018-2 & 2a; BIRD36564, 20141018-4, 4a & 4b; 20150822-19, 19a & 19b; 20160305-10; 20160305-11; 20160305-12. T. pubescens (Pubescent Trametes) – 20131006-17, 20131006-18; BIRD36532, 20141011-3, 3a & 3b; 20141011-7 & 7a; 20141011-9 & 9a; 20141011-11; 20160625-6 & 6a. Trichaptum abietinum (Violet-pored Bracket Fungus) – BIRD36540, 20141011-14 & 14a; BIRD36572, 20141025-4 & 4a; 20150704-3a & 3b; BIRD37087, 20150704-3; BIRD36739, 20150927-3 & 3a; BIRD37087, 20160910-7 & 7a. T. biforme (Violet-toothed Polypore) – 20130909-11; 20130921-3; 20131014-3; 20140920-1, 20140920- 1a; BIRD36574, 20141025-6, 6a & 6b; BIRD36727, 20150912-10 & 10a; BIRD36809, 20160409-9 & 9a; 20161031-3 & 3a; 20160827-5 & 5a; BIRD36752, 20151018-7 & 7a; BIRD37160, 20170218-1 & 1a; 20170401-1 & 1a. T. subchartaceum (no common Name) – BIRD36830, 20160423-7, 7a & 7b. Tyromyces chioneus (White Cheese Polypore or White Cheese Bracket) – 20120915-4; 20140920-11 & 11a; BIRD36563, 20141018-2 & 2a; 20141018-3 & 3a; 20150718-2 & 2a; 20160827-5 & 5a; BIRD37057, 20160827-6 & 6a.

Hymenochaetales Coltricia cinnamomea (Fairy Stool) – 20150725-8; BIRD36646, 20150725-9 & 9a.

Coltricia cinnamomea Onnia tomentosa

Onnia tomentosa (Woolly Velvet Polypore or Tomentosus Root Rot) – 20150822-24 & 24a; 20150829-13 & 13a; BIRD36745, 20151010-3, 3a & 3b. Schizopora paradoxa (Split Porecrust) – BIRD36746, 20151010-4.

Russulales Hericium ramosum (Branched Hericium) – 20120908-15; 20130831-6; 20140906-16; 20160730-1. 12

Lactarius sp. – 20140823-7 & 7a. L. deliciosus (Delicious Milkcap) – 20160820-15, 15a, 15b & 15c. L. torminosus (Woolly Milkcap) – 20150926-3 & 3a. Peniophora rufa (Red Tree Brain) – 20140913-2; 20160319-2; 20160409-10. Russula sp. – 20130831-24. R. borealis (Northern Russula) – 20140823-13 & 13a; 20140928-5, 5a & 5b. R. decolorans (Greying Russula or Copper Brittlehead) – 20140830-24, 24a, 24b & 24c; 20140830-38 & 38a; 20160709-6 & 6a. R. emetica (The Sickener) – 20110827-3, 20110827-4; 20130831-13; 20150822-28; 20150822-39. R. fragilis (Fragile Russula) – 20130909-6, 20130909-7; 20150822-29 & 29a. R. laurocerasi (Almond Russula) – 20150822-4 & 4a; 20150822-27 & 27a.

Russula emetica Russula risigallina

R. risigallina (chamaeleontina) (Small Yellow Russula) – 20140830-31 & 31a; 20150822-22 & 22a; 20150822-25 & 25a; BIRD36984, 20160716-4 & 4a. R. velenovskyi (Brown Velvet Russula) – 20150912-12, 12a, 12b & 12c. Stereum complicatum (Crowded Parchment Fungus) – 20140823-4 & 4a; 20140906-5, & 5a; 20140913- 6 & 6a; 20140927-25 & 25a. S. hirsutum (False Turkey Tail) – BIRD37137, 20161001-2, 2a, 2b, 2c & 2d. S. sanguineolentum (Bleeding Conifer Crust) – 20141011-5 & 5a.

Thelephorales Thelephora caryophyllea (Funnel-shaped or Carnation Thelephora) – 20160625-4 & 4a.

SUMMARY

Four Slime Molds and 169 Fungi (18 Ascomycota and 152 Basidiomycota) are reported from the J.J. Collett Natural Area. This compares with 5 Slime Molds and 234 Fungi (25 Ascomycota and 209 Basidiomycota) that have been found so far in the Bird quarter 8 km NW of Winfield. The Bird quarter clearly has more vegetation and soil affinities with the Foothills forest zone while the J.J. Collett area has a mixture of Foothills Forest and Aspen Parkland species.

COMPARISON OF THE BIRD EAST POPLAR QUARTER AND THE J.J. COLLETT NATURAL AREA

The Bird quarter is 82 km (52 miles) northwest of The J.J. Collett Natural Area. The soils in the Bird quarter are predominantly Grey-wooded luvisol while those in the Collett area are a mixture of Grey- wooded luvisols in the white spruce areas and sandy chernozemic soils in the clearings and aspen areas. The elevation at the Bird quarter averages 1000 m while that in the Collett is up to 800 m. The average annual precipitation at the Breton Plots, which is the nearest weather station to the Bird quarter, is 552 mm, while that for the Lacombe Research Station (CDA 2), the nearest weather station to the J.J. Collett Natural Area, is 439 mm. The average long-term number of frost-free days at the Breton Plots from 1961- 2016 is 118.45 while that for the Lacombe Research Station is 113.78.

EDIBLE, POOR TASTING OR POISONOUS MUSHROOMS

The best advice that can be given is that one should never eat a wild mushroom unless one is positive of it’s identification. Only a small number of species are edible, most of the others do not taste good or have a bad texture, and only a few are poisonous but the poisonous ones could make you very sick or even kill you. Wild mushrooms should never be eaten raw. Mushrooms should not be picked for consumption in any Provincial Park or Protected Area unless one has permission.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Dr. Lu Piening in the field Dr. Lu Piening keying out a mushroom

Dr. Lu Piening – 20130831-25; 20140920-24 & 24a; 20140927-18.

The assistance of Dr. Lu Piening, a retired Plant Pathologist formerly with the Canada Department of Agriculture Research Station at Lacombe, is gratefully acknowledged. Others who have helped have been Dr. Jim Ginns, formerly Curator of the National Mycological Herbarium in Ottawa; Dr. Suzanne Visser, Dr. Scott Redhead, current Curator of the National Mycological Herbarium; Oluna Ceska and Dr. Michael Beug.

LITERATURE CITED

Bird, C. D. 2012. Lepidoptera of the J.J. Collett Natural Area, 2002-2011. Report prepared for Alberta Parks and Protected Areas. 33 pp.

http://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3796462/Lepidoptera_J.J.Collett%20NA_Rreport%20 2002-2011.pdf Bird, C. D. 3 Apr 2013. Lepidoptera of the J. J. Collett Provincial Natural Area, 2002-2011 – 2012 Addendum. Report prepared for Alberta Parks and Protected Areas. 5 pp. Kevin Timoney & Anne Robinson, 11 Nov 2009. A Rare Plant and Rare Vegetation Survey of the Eastern Margin of the J. J. Collett Natural Area for Lacombe County, Alberta. Treeline Ecological Research, 37 pp.]