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Liz Bickel | all galleries >> Themed Galleries >> Themes: Multiple Galleries >> Everything: Multiple Galleries >> L >> Life's Moments: Multiple Galleries >> "Photo of the Day" Archives: Twenty Years: Multiple Galleries >> Photo of the Day Archives: 2021 >> July 2021 > Surprise 7-30-21
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30-Jul-2021 copyright Elizabeth Bickel

Surprise 7-30-21

Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii

"Also, know as flowerpot parasol mushroom it’s a tropical species that often found growing from the commercial potting mix. The Leucocoprinus birnbaumii Mushroom is poisonous to dogs only in very large quantities."


"This is a common mushroom in flowerpots that colonizes rich organic materials. Rather than being a pest or a sign of something wrong, these mushrooms are a harmless sign of healthy soil. This type of mushroom is common in warm, humid climates or in indoor pots. The sudden appearance of these mushrooms in indoor potting soil especially can cause alarm and concern, but by and large, they are simply a sign of organically healthy soil. They do not harm the plants, are not known to be toxic, and do not need to be eradicated."

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After a week of very hot and humid weather, this lone mushroom suddenly popped up overnight in the soil with some potted Christmas Cactus cuttings. As seen above, one source says this mushroom species may be toxic; while a different source says it isn't. So when in doubt, I'm cautious and assume they are.

I have VERY small dogs. So what is a tiny quantity to a larger dog is massive to mine. Therefore, I moved the pot to somewhere they can't reach. Plus (after taking this photo), I also removed the lone mushroom from the soil. Hopefully more don't grow in with the cactus cuttings.

Canon EOS-1D X ,Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
1/80s f/10.0 at 100.0mm iso8000 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time30-Jul-2021 19:30:14
MakeCanon
ModelCanon EOS-1D X
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length100 mm
Exposure Time1/80 sec
Aperturef/10
ISO Equivalent8000
Exposure Bias-1 1/3
White Balance0
Metering Modematrix (5)
JPEG Quality (7)
Exposure Programaperture priority (3)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium original auto
comment
larose forest photos29-Oct-2021 01:37
Love the way you have photographed this, superb!! V
hayl08-Aug-2021 00:10
What an interesting surprise to find in your flower pot. You’ve taken a beautiful photo of it.
laine07-Aug-2021 07:42
Don't let your little four legged friends near it....great for breaking down soil though. A good photo, Liz. V