Carvers find these fascinating. Great for a carving project. The one on the left is on a poplar/aspen tree. I left it about 6 feet long. The burl is about 11 inches wide and 10 inches high. The two little ones (B-1 and B-2) are, if memory serves, Birch. B-3 is, I think, Alder. These are extremely hard to find. That one is about 9 inches wide.
I have not put a price on these, YOU tell me what they are worth to you and we'll go from there.
In June of 2008 I found a VERY nice one, growing out of a diamond on Diamond Willow; it is significantly larger than what you see here. It is drying now and I'll post a picture of it here later.
I have a few little ones too; if you need them, make me an offer I can't refuse; here they are; larger picture is available:
These white fungi on Diamond Willow are hard to find. They grow out of the diamonds on Diamond Willow.
In the woods I find plenty of fungi on poplar/aspen trees, on spruce and pine and on birch as well as on alders. Those are no good for anything.
A native gentleman told me that his mother used to dry them and then burn/smoulder them in the house for the scent they give off.
Even when not burning, they give off a very pleasant scent; some say it smells like licorice or sweet pepper.
My friend Glenn told me this about the willow fungus; he also said it is ONLY the willow that works:
"I have cronic asthma, when burn that fungus it does not hurt my lungs. I just use a small piece mabey the size of half of a small marble. It also is good for cleansing or purifing your home by putting it in something and then just bringing it into each room."
Willow seems to have a number of medicinal uses. If memory serves, willow bark was originally used to produce aspirin for its pain-inhibiting value.
Native Americans have told me that they considered the (Diamond) willow fungus a sacred herb and that they use it in their ceremonies.
It may be good for stopping headaches and earaches.
My friend Funguy (not his real name), a native North American in the USA, was kind enough to share this with me:
"The plant is dried, then powdered and the powder sprinkled on hot coals to release the smoke which is inhaled. As a smudge it is often mixed with other plant medicines such as Osha, sage, sweetgrass, and sweet pine. Smudges are used to purify the surroundings and help call in the desired spirit helpers. As a medicine it is especially good for migraines, fatigue, depressions of body and spirit.
Most folks in the lower 48 are not aware of this medicine. It is mostly used in the western Canadian provinces and has filtered down through bordering states through tribal associations. I was made aware of it through my association with the Blackfeet community in Browning Montana where I go for many ceremonies. They get it mostly from their associates in Canada."
That's a 15-inch ruler; four sets, $125. per set, plus postage which is probably about $6 per set.
In 2008 I'm working hard to find more; so far, so good; I even found one that is 5 3/4 inches wide and 3 inches high. They are drying now and will appear on this website much later.
It has been suggested by biologists that these fungi are more closely related to the animal kingdom than to plants. Hmmmmm; think about it!
You can find much more information about these unique herbs by Googling "willow fungus."
You can find more information about this unique plant here:
http://www.purrfectlyherbal.com/remedies.html