A mushroom with gills

Some mushrooms have gills. Some do not. Wild mushrooms come in so many sizes, shapes, colors and textures that their specific species identification is very difficult to assess by most people -- including me.

As I observe nature in Southeast Missouri, I see many beautiful mushrooms I do not know by name. Many are edible, and the one shown here that I found growing in loose dirt surrounded by green moss may or may not be good to eat. You should never eat or taste a mushroom without knowing that it is safe to do so.

I believe this is a common cavalier mushroom (scientific name: melanoleuca polioleuca), but I would need to ask a mycologist to be sure. There is no shame in not knowing what kind of mushroom you find. Some mushrooms are difficult even for mycologists to identify.

Nevertheless, mushrooms are interesting and beautiful to photograph and to study.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more of Horrell's work at the Painted Wren Gallery in downtown Cape Girardeau.