HURON, Ohio – Every year around this time, fall and summer lovers face off. Which season is best? Are fall and Halloween decorations being displayed too early? However, as September arrives, nature is making a statement and siding with autumn by returning glowing jack-o-lantern mushrooms to Ohio.
The Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve in Huron reports that fungi season has begun.
“We are seeing an increase in the little fruiting bodies around the creek, including this massive display of jack’o’lanterns seen during our Wednesday evening paddle tour,” the research reserve posted on Facebook.
According to the research reserve, colorful gilled mushrooms are typically found in the fall on decaying logs, stumps, or underground roots. It is important to note that these mushrooms are extremely toxic, making them unsafe to eat or touch.
According to the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, the fungus can be identified by the way it grows in clusters, with large caps up to eight inches and thin gills running down the stem.
“Did we mention that in extremely dark conditions, new Jack specimens can emit a greenish glow? “Perfect for Halloween,” the post read.
