Phaeolus schweinitzii. Photo © Dorothy Beebee
Phaeolus schweinitzii
Phaeolus schweinitzii. Photo © Dorothy Beebee
Thank heavens some things never change names (so far!). SOMA foragers found two well formed polypores at Salt Point during the September 2007 Foray, complete with juicy yellow rims -- just primo for giving the best brilliant yellow dyes on wool with or without an alum mordant. The use of iron produces deep rusty brown dye on wool and silk. Use of a mordant does tend to ensure lightfastness and color stability throughout continued washings and exposure of fibers to light. Did you know that this fungus, can also produce a beautiful polypore paper?
Pisolithus arrhizus. Photo © Darvin DeShazer
Pisolithus arrhizus
Pisolithus arrhizus. Photo © Darvin DeShazer
(Formerly known as Pisolithus tinctorius.) It's hard for me to get used to this name change by the great "Myco-Them," but Darvin assures me that it is here to stay. These puffballs (sometimes called "dead man's foot" started appearing in the Bay Area around August and provide the richest dark brown dyes on wool and gold on silk, with or without mordants. They are best if used fresh, but can be successfully dried and saved for later dyepots. I keep a large pot going year round, and add newcomers as they appear.
Tapinella atrotomentosus. Photo © Don Bryant
Tapinella atrotomentosus
Tapinella atrotomentosus. Photo © Don Bryant
(Formally known as Paxillus atrotomentosus.) Get used to another name change (darn that DNA anyway!). A few of these were found earlier this summer along the coast, but we may need more rain or fog drip to see abundant fruiting of this blue/purple dye producing fungus.