38 Nebraskaland • August-September 2021
Firm, yet gelatinous and nearly translucent, snow ear, also
called snow fungus and silver ear fungus, is primarily a
subtropical and tropical species that strangely also occurs
in Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and southeastern Nebraska.
Although found on the dead wood of hardwood trees, it is
actually a parasite that feeds on the living tissue of other fungi
that have infected the wood.
For millennia, the mushroom has been popular in Chinese
cuisine and medicine. Foodwise, snow ear has little fl avor
and is mostly used in soups for its texture and as a thickener.
Medicinally, it is purported to boost the immune system,
reduce infl ammation and embellish the user with clear,
beautiful skin.
Tremella mesenterica, with its buttery color and amorphous
lobes, has been bestowed with ghastly common names. Among
them: yellow trembler, yellow brain and witches' butter. Even
its scientifi c name translates to the creepy "trembling middle
intestine." Shame on those who profess that scientists are a boring
lot with no sense of humor.
Appearing spring through fall and even during winter warm-spells,
witches' butter grows and feeds on dead hardwood trees, mostly
oaks. The mushroom is widespread, occurring on every continent
except Antarctica. The name witches' butter originated in eastern
Europe where, according to folklore, if you found it growing near
or on your door or gate, it was a sure sign that you were under the
spell of a witch. Fortunately, the curse could be broken by sticking
straight pins into the yellow blob to drain its juices and power.