The Hemlock Varnish Shelf fungus, Ganoderma tsugae, is a common mushroom that is found in Mt Tom State Reservation, growing on Eastern Hemlock trees, usually fallen and rotting. The mushroom has a shiny, varnished appearance on the upper surface and can be red in color. As it ages, it can develop a leathery cap and turn a darker reddish-orange color. There is the belief that the fungus has medicinal properties.

Image and text courtesy of a friend of the Mt. Tom Range.