Shrooms on a Tree

A quiet moment in the forest, where light filters through the canopy and catches the delicate gills of these mushrooms as they climb the trunk of a living birch. Their soft, earthy tones contrast with the silvery bark, while their translucent caps glow with a warmth that feels almost otherworldly. This is nature’s quiet artistry—an intricate dance of life and decay, captured in a fleeting moment of stillness. The upward perspective invites the eye to follow their path toward the sky, where the leaves sway gently in the filtered afternoon light.

Peninsula State Park is home to a diverse array of mushrooms, each playing a crucial role in the forest’s ecosystem. Fungi like these help decompose fallen trees and organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting the health of the surrounding plant life. Some species, such as the honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea), often found growing in clusters on trees like this one, are both fascinating and complex—while they contribute to the decay of weakened trees, they also act as a vital part of the cycle of renewal in the forest.

For foragers, Peninsula State Park offers a variety of edible mushrooms, though caution is always necessary. Morel mushrooms (Morchella spp.), highly sought after in spring, can often be found near decaying elm trees or in sandy soil. In late summer and fall, chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.) with their golden, wavy caps emerge along the forest floor, often near oak and beech trees. Another prized find is the hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa), a clustered, ruffled mushroom that grows at the base of oaks and is revered for both its culinary and medicinal properties. However, with many toxic look-alikes, responsible foraging requires expertise, reinforcing the importance of appreciating these fungal marvels in their natural habitat.

All prints are of museum quality and printed in The USA. Canvas Prints are wrapped around a hardwood frame to prevent long-term wrapping and utilize a 0.75" thick wrap. Metal Prints are glossy, vibrant, and of course are ready to hang.  These prints make a statement and bring Door County home to your wall.