Ascomycete Fungi of North America. A Mushroom Reference Guide. 2014. 800 col. photogr. XII, 488 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

Approximately 75 percent of all fungi that have been described to date belong to the phylum Ascomycota. They are usually referred to as Ascomycetes and are commonly found and collected by mushroom enthusiasts. Ascomycetes exhibit a remarkable range of biodiversity, are beautiful and visually complex, and some, including morels and truffles, are highly prized for their edibility. Many play significant roles in plant ecology because of the mycorrhizal associations that they form. With more than 850 color photographs and more than 600 described species, as well as an easy-to-use color key to aid visual identification, this is themost complete guide ever published to North American Ascomycetes, which include morels and truffles. It is remarkable that no book dedicated to describing andillustrating the North American Ascomycetes has been published in over sixty years.Filling the gap between technical publications and the limited representation of Ascomycetes in general mushroom field guides, Ascomycete Fungi of North America is a scientifically accurate work dedicated to this significant group of fungi.