Behind Blue Ridge Country

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a fairly common small tree in the Blue Ridge Mountains, often thriving along forest edges or in abandoned fields.

Spot one from afar, and you’ll likely agree that the creamy white clump growing from an oak’s base or its roots make the cauliflower mushroom look like the namesake vegetable.

Known for its colorful nicknames such as mountain custard, mountain banana, custard apple, and here’s a new appellation…the hipster banana, I would describe Asimina triloba as tasting something like a cross between a banana and a pineapple.

Smooth chanterelles (Cantharellus lateritius) are characterized by their up to 4-or 5-inch caps with wavy margins and orange to yellow stalks with white flesh inside.