40 Nebraskaland • August-September 2021
Ranging from disc to ear-shaped, wood ear grows on
decaying hardwood logs and sticks. In various Old
World cultures the mushroom has been graced with
the names jelly ear, pig ear, goblin ear and Judas'
ear. The latter name stems from the legend that the
mushroom was fi rst discovered on the tree on which
the biblical Judas Iscariot hanged himself.
Recent DNA analysis has shown that the North
American form of wood ear is a distinct species from
the identical-appearing European and Asian form.
Although a unique species, it would be a disgrace if
Americans renounced those wonderful Old World
names long ago bestowed on this eerie mushroom.
All photos in the article were taken in oak woodlands at
Indian Cave State Park in Richardson and Nemaha counties
unless otherwise noted.
