The Illinois Mycological Association is a group of fungal enthusiasts that meets frequently to learn about fungi through talks presented by experts, and to look for, identify and document wild fungi. We host monthly meetings with invited speakers, mycologist-led surveys to gather and document fungi, and an annual show at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
We welcome you to attend and learn more about fungi and the wild mushrooms of Illinois and the Chicago region.
January Mushroom of the Month: Phaeophyscia rubropulchra \\ Orange-Cored Shadow Lichen
Winter is a great time to seek out lichens, and Orange-Cored Shadow Lichen (Phaeophyscia rubropulchra) is a particularly rewarding find. This bark and rock-loving species is relatively tolerant of air pollution, allowing it to thrive in both urban settings and remote wooded areas alike. It’s easily recognized by its fiery red-orange medulla—the inner fungal filaments that form a horizontal layer within the lichen thallus (its body structure). This medulla plays a crucial role in storing water and nutrients, providing structural support, and handling a host of other essential tasks that keep the lichen alive and well.
Text, and photos on the left by Liz Weinstein. Photo on the right by Bethany Teigen.
Join your local mushroom club
Video by the Illinois Mycological Association.
Speakers: Patrick Leacock, Tom Volk, and Britt Bunyard.
Video created by James Strzelinski, Spiel.
Members of the Illinois Mycological Association post their mushroom photos to iNaturalist to record fungal diversity for the Chicago Region. Mycologist Patrick Leacock reviews a selection of recent observations organized by his Top Ten Lists of most common macro-fungi.
