mushrooms with an earth tongue morphology
This is probably one of the most difficult fungi to find in North America. It is not a common mushroom, but its occurrence may be underreported thanks to its small size and green colors. These traits mean that Microglossum viride is particularly adept at blending in with its mossy surroundings. However, its unmistakably green coloration means it is very easy to identify the “Green Earth Tongue” once you have found it.
The term “Earth Tongue” refers to the tongue-shaped mushrooms in a few select genera: Geoglossum (literally “earth-tongue”), Trichoglossum, and Microglossum. These fungi all have tongue-shaped heads on a sterile stipe. The heads usually have a groove running down the center and two similarly-shaped lobes on either side. This morphology is somewhat reminiscent of a tongue, thus the name of the group. You’ll need a microscope for accurate identification of your earth tongue collection. If you have access to one, see the “Beginners Guide to Earth Tongues” (linked below*) for tips on microscopic examination. The key provided at the end of that article, however, was written for people in England and therefore may not be useful for American mushroom hunters. If you’re satisfied with identification down to genus only, then there are a couple things you can look for when sorting your collection. First, Geoglossum and Trichoglossum produce black mushrooms, while...
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