Peak autumn abundance. Three finds this issue, because October doesn't do anything by halves.

What I'm reading

• Hen of the woods (maitake) — the gray, ruffled clusters at the base of old oaks. Comes back to the same tree for years. The best wild mushroom in the Midwest, full stop, and it's hiding at the foot of trees in every old preserve.
• Acorns are food, with one step — leaching out the tannins is the whole job. Hank Shaw's guide turned a bumper white-oak year into actual flour for me.
• American persimmons — wild ones are smaller and astringent until dead ripe and wrinkled. One bite too early and you'll never forget the pucker.

Field note

Found a 10-pound hen at the base of a bur oak in a preserve I'll keep to myself, cleaned it on the hood of my car, and gave half to the neighbor who waters my plants. Abundance is meant to be split.

— Jenna