Orange is not the first word that comes to mind when most people think about a hemlock forest. Greens, grays, tans, and browns are instead the colors that typify these densely shaded areas — especially as the early days of summer approach.
With careful observation, however, and with a directed focus on the fungal world, any color can easily make itself known in a dark forest.
On a recent walk through one of these areas, the only mushrooms that I encountered were orange. Of course, I thought nothing of it upon seeing the first orange species, and I wasn’t too surprised after finding a second orange mushroom either.
But then I found a third, and eventually a fourth.
And I inevitably thought to myself, “Someone should document this.”
Fortunately, I brought my camera along for the adventure and decided to film the orange mushrooms that were appearing in succession. All four mushrooms are fascinating, though a few of them are often overlooked and underappreciated despite their brilliant coloration.
If you are interested in learning more about orange mushrooms that may be growing in a forest near you, check out the following video.