mushrooms

[Guest]

YC,

So far my best look at those beach growing mushrooms says Russula ventricosipes.

That's from size, color and markings as I remember them from your photograph.

The geographic distribution is about right - Great Lakes region. They like sand: dunes, and sandy soil woods near lakes.

A few other genera are represented in that kind of habitat in the same area. But Russula :might be the best bet.

Did you come up with anything?

 

[yellowcanoe]

http://i238.photobucke

t.com/albums/ff298/littleredcanoe/Lake%20Superior%202013/PukaskwaJuly-Aug2013028_zps92dfb3df.jpg

I did not have a ruler with me. The cap of the larger was 2 inches across and the nearest pine some 500 feet away.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the picture and the description.

Another possible is Sandy Tallowgill, Laccaria trullisata. It runs smaller than Russula.

Both grow in sand, but Russula seems to have a liking for sandy soil woods, both hardwood and conifer, as well.

I think you saw the same species both on the beach and back in nearby woods.

Anyhow, with only an overhead picture it's hard to be certain. Other distinguishing characteristics are hidden.

But for sure the sand habitat is prefered by some species in maybe as many as 4 genera.