From translucent blobs to coral-like clusters, jelly fungi are among the most visually striking and biologically fascinating organisms found on Maryland’s forest floor. These gelatinous decomposers come in a spectrum of colors—bright orange, inky black, creamy white—and textures that range from rubbery cushions to toothy caps. Often mistaken for slime molds or cup fungi, jelly fungi play a vital role in breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems. Their fruiting bodies emerge under specific moisture and temperature conditions, and their spore dispersal mechanisms are as diverse as their forms.
In this talk, William Needham—Master Naturalist and former president of the Mycological Association of Washington—will guide us through the science and folklore of these squishy wonders. Topics include:
- Taxonomy and classification of jelly fungi
- Spore dispersal and fruiting body development
- Common Maryland species: white, orange, black, and branching forms
- Auricularia auricula-judae: culinary uses and nutritional value
- Witches’ Butter: field uses and cultural superstitions
- Cup fungi and slime molds that mimic jelly textures
Whether you’re a curious hiker, amateur mycologist, forager or nature educator, this presentation will deepen your understanding of these organisms and help you distinguish them from their lookalikes in the field.