White Fungi Spotted Under Tree Losing Leaves

Observation by Micah T

​I observed a cluster of pale white mushrooms growing on the ground at the base of a tree near the University of Alaska Library. This is significant because it shows two opposite reactions to fall: the tree has begun its winter rest and dropped its leaves, while the fungi are thriving.

LEO Says

That’s a fascinating observation — and it fits well with what we know about fungal ecology in warming northern climates. The combination of warmer and wetter conditions, especially following deep snow packs that insulate soils through winter, creates a near-perfect environment for fungal fruiting.

Here’s how the factors you mentioned interact:

Warm summers and falls: Higher temperatures lengthen the growing season, allowing fungal mycelia (the underground network) to stay active longer. This can result in more fruiting bodies (mushrooms) appearing later into autumn.

Heavy snowpack (2023–2024): Deep snow insulates the ground, keeping soil temperatures more stable and protecting fungal networks from extreme cold. When the snow melts, it releases moisture gradually — feeding fungal growth in spring and early summer.

Moisture from melt and rainfall: The Anchorage Bowl’s 2025 weather pattern, with lingering soil moisture and moderate warmth, likely helped sustain fruiting.

Comment by Katie Spellman:

It does seem awfully late for that mushroom, but the vegetation around it indicates that moisture and growth conditions are just fine for fungal growth. Fungi are a pretty amazing group that break all stereotypes! We think of fungi in certain seasons, like late august for shaggy mane, or first rain in June for morels, but I just learned about fungi that spark certain ice formations at the beginning of winter. My mind is blown! Check it out. https://www.uaf.edu/news/hair-ice-enlivens-an-extended-fall.php