Five-Year Ecological Timeline: Moss and Fungi Document Life Cycle After Lightning Strikes

Science & ResearchApr 18, 2026score 0.657 posts · 0 replies across 6 instances

A user detailed a five-year natural sequence following a lightning strike that killed a hemlock tree. In 2023, moss began growing on the resulting stump, preceding the emergence of Purple Tooth Polypores (*Trichaptum abietinum*).

Commentators are documenting localized natural phenomena. @BjornIdle reported an unsourced mushroom sighting on Ulva Island, recalling a guide mentioning an 'L' species. @danmccullough provided sequential updates, noting both the initial appearance of Amber Jelly Rolls (*Exidia recisa*) after snow melt and the long-term successional growth documented over years. Others shared casual observations, like @dmnelson photographing a 'majestic tree-shaped mushroom' near his commute route, and @dtl spotting minute fungi within moss.

The dominant sentiment is one of scientific observation and appreciation for ecological cycles. The community focuses intensely on the visible documentation of natural succession, particularly when triggered by dramatic environmental events like storm damage.

Key points

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Longitudinal documentation showed moss growth preceded Purple Tooth Polypore emergence on a lightning-damaged stump.

Over a five-year span, @danmccullough tracked the sequence from the initial stump to the visible fungi.

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Snow melt revealed visible specimens of Amber Jelly Rolls.

Recent melting conditions made *Exidia recisa* photographable, according to @danmccullough.

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Hike activity was reported as emotionally restorative and yielded photographic subjects.

@daemonicusprince noted the mental benefit of observing the sights.

MIXED

Specific, but vague, mushroom sightings were reported at Ulva Island.

@BjornIdle reported a sighting but could not recall the species name, only that it started with 'L'.

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Basic habitat pattern is noted for minute fungal sprouts within moss.

@dtl pointed out a perfect, tiny mushroom growing specifically within mossy areas.

Source posts

@[email protected]

A mushroom on Ulva Island growing from the mossy forest floor. Just as I spotted this, a tour guide walked past with a couple of people and said the name of the species but I don't remember what they said - I think it began with "L"?

#Mushroom #FungiFriday #NaturePhotography #Mosstodon

5 boosts · 14 favs · 0 replies · Mar 19, 2026

#mushroom#fungifriday#naturephotography#mosstodon

@[email protected]

In 2021, lightning hit one of our massive hemlocks. The perfectly healthy tree that overlooked the brook (and our house), was killed instantly. We had to take it down. 

In 2023, moss began growing on the stump, providing a nice spot to sit and watch the water.

And now the first signs of mushrooms have appeared in the form of Purple Tooth Polypores [Trichaptum abietinum].

All in 5 years. 

#FungiFriday #Mushrooms #Fungi #Moss

17 boosts · 1 favs · 3 replies · Apr 17, 2026

#fungifriday#mushrooms#fungi#moss

@[email protected]

The glory of fall
#Mushtodon #FungiFriday #Mosstodon

1 boosts · 1 favs · 0 replies · Nov 28, 2025

#mushtodon#fungifriday#mosstodon

@[email protected]

knocked on my ass by a bad cold, but at least a recent hike shortly before that was emotionally restorative, as well as a replenishing of interesting sights to see, including a handful for #FungiFriday 

#Mushrooms #Fungi #Mosstodon #Moss #NaturePhotography #PNW

7 boosts · 0 favs · 1 replies · Apr 10, 2026

#fungifriday#mushrooms#fungi#mosstodon#moss#naturephotography

@[email protected]

With two feet + of snow covering everything the last couple months, mushrooms have been hard to come by. But with the rapid melting over the past 10 days these Amber Jelly Rolls [Exidia recisa] have been uncovered and are ready for their flabby closeups. 

#FungiFriday #Mushrooms #Fungi

4 boosts · 0 favs · 1 replies · Apr 3, 2026

#fungi#mushrooms#fungifriday

@[email protected]

I saw this majestic tree-shaped mushroom on the way into work yesterday and had to go back to take a snap for #FungiFriday

1 boosts · 0 favs · 0 replies · Nov 21, 2025

#fungifriday

@[email protected]

Down in the mossy parts a perfect tiny mushroom sprouts. #fungiFriday #fungiverse

1 boosts · 0 favs · 0 replies · Jul 25, 2025

#fungifriday#fungiverse