Photos submitted by Mary Fllko

Georgia is home to thousands of wild mushroom species, ranging from choice edibles to deadly look-alikes. The state’s diverse geography- especially the rich, damp foothills of the North Georgia mountains near Ellijay- provide an ideal climate for mushrooms especially after heavy summer rains.

Most of the mushrooms shown are the Amanita. It’s is a massive genus of fungi containing hundreds of mushrooms species, famous for including some of the world’s most deadly mushrooms alongside renowned edible delicacies and iconic psychoactive varieties. Because edible and highly toxic species can look incredibly similar, foraging or consuming them is highly discouraged unless you are an expert.

Ferns shown are netted chain fern that is a deciduous, colony- forming, waxy green fern. The other fern known as a wood fern is lime to medium-green and grow 2-3 ft. high by 8-12 in. wide.