Velvet Shank

velvet shank, Flammulina velutipes

I was surprised to see so much fungus growing on an old tree stump near the church at Nostell but this is Velvet Shank, Flammulina velutipes, which thrives during the winter and can survive being frozen solid. The stem becomes black and velvety with age and the cap becomes slimy when damp.

It’s grown commercially in a small, white, elongated form as Enoki, also known as Enokitake, for use in soups and salads.

You could eat Velvet Shank, as there’s not much else available at this time of year, although I won’t be trying it as there’s a similar species called Funeral Bell which is deadly poisonous (but which doesn’t survive into the winter).