Rewilding My Lot

This was a surprise in my front flower bed a couple of days ago. A day later it looked like this:

It’s a Flowerpot Parasol (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii), and it is perhaps not surprising that it has appeared after we have had significant rain following a drought. Most likely spores have been in the ground or mulch for a long time, and the moisture has now activated them.

Fungi are an important part of the decay process that helps to feed soil and plants, so if they are not in my way or dangerous, they can stay. And if they have interesting shapes and colors, all the better. This one is toxic if eaten, but I don’t plan to do that.