Laura Smith
There are a variety of mushrooms that can be found in the Southeast, including the Morel mushroom, Black Trumpets, Lion's Mane, and Wood Blewit. The Morel mushroom is a highly sought-after edible mushroom that can be found in small numbers in the Southeast, particularly south of Birmingham, Alabama. Black Trumpets are known for being difficult to find, often requiring a keen eye to spot them in the forest floor. Lion's Mane and Wood Blewit are also commonly found in the Southeast, with Lion's Mane being a favorite for cooking Crab cakes. It's important to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms, as there are many edible lookalikes that could be toxic. Proper identification is crucial before consuming any wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Morel Mushrooms | Can be found in the Southeast, but in smaller numbers than in the North |
| Black Trumpets | Rare, found in the Southeast |
| Shaggy Stalked Bolete | Can be found in the Southeast |
| King Bolete/Porcini | Does not occur in the Southeast |
| Black Staining Polypore | Rare in the Southeast |
| Berkeley's Polypores | Can be found in the Southeast |
| Hen of the Woods | Found in the Southeast, but less common south of the Alabama-Tennessee border |
| Lion's Mane | Common in the Southeast, can be found in winter |
| Wood Blewit | Found in the Southeast |
| Liberty Caps | Do not grow in the South |
| Formosa | Found in the Southeast |
| Copelandia cyanescens | Found in the Southeast |
| Psilocybe cubbensis | Found in the Southeast |
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What You'll Learn
Where to find mushrooms in the South
There are a plethora of mushrooms in the Southeastern United States, with a variety of species that can be found across the region. The Southeast generally includes northern Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
One of the most sought-after mushrooms in the region is the Morel mushroom, which can be found in smaller numbers in the Southeast compared to areas further north. South of Birmingham, Alabama, the chances of finding Morel mushrooms decrease significantly. The season for Morel mushrooms typically starts when ground temperatures about 4 inches below the surface reach around 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and this can vary from year to year.
Another notable mushroom in the Southeast is the Lion's Mane, with three main species found in the region: H. erinaceous, H. coralloides, and H. americanum. Lion's Mane mushrooms can be found dotting the forest floor as temperatures cool down, and they are known for their striking appearance. Wood Blewit mushrooms can also be found around the same time, though they are less desirable due to their texture.
Foragers should be cautious when searching for Black Trumpet mushrooms, as they are extremely difficult to spot. They are often found on the forest floor, and foragers may need to get down close to the ground to spot them. Berkeley's Polypores are another fascinating species, known for their large size, growing up to 1-1/2 feet long. Hen of the Woods is a delicious edible variety that can be found growing at the base of large old trees, particularly in historic districts with mature oak trees. This variety becomes less common once you go south of the Alabama-Tennessee border.
It is important to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms and only consume them if you are absolutely certain of their identity. There are many toxic look-alikes, and proper identification is crucial to avoid potential health risks. Field guides and expert knowledge can be invaluable tools for mushroom foragers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
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Types of mushrooms in the South
Mushrooms are incredibly common in the south, especially in Southern California and South Carolina. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and there are thousands of different types. It is important to note that you should never eat a wild mushroom unless you are with a mycologist (mushroom expert) as there are many poisonous types, and some species can be deadly.
In Southern California, the Western Hardwood Sulfur Shelf is one of the most commonly seen fungi. It is large, bulbous, and bright orange/yellow. It is related to the famous ""Chicken of the Woods" (Laetiporus sulphureus), which is edible and grows in South Carolina. The various species can be distinguished by location and host plant. The local species L. gilbertsonii has yellow pores and grows on hardwood trees, primarily on the West Coast of North America.
In South Carolina, the Sparassis spathulata species, also known as cauliflower mushrooms, can be found. The edible Morel mushroom can also be found in South Carolina, although it is much more common in areas further north. The poisonous Gyromitra brunnea, one of the false morels that resemble Morchella, also occurs in South Carolina.
Another favourite for foragers in the Southeast is Hen of the Woods. This fungus can be found growing at the base of large old trees and is common in historic districts with old oak trees. Oyster mushrooms are also extremely abundant throughout many parts of the Southeast. This gilled saprobic fungus can be found in small to large clusters bursting out of the wood of dead or dying trees. Lion's mane is another fairly common wild mushroom throughout the Southeast.
Chanterelles are potentially the most abundant mushroom in the Southern Appalachia area. They can be found in small to very large flushes and are always exciting to find. They taste delicious and smell wonderful.
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Edible mushrooms in the South
There are thousands of fungi species in North America, but only a small number of them are edible. Even among the edible species, some may be safe to eat but don't taste very good or are difficult to forage. Foraging for edible mushrooms should be done with caution, as there are toxic lookalikes. It is always important to get a positive ID on any mushroom before consuming it.
The Southeast United States offers a variety of wild edible mushrooms throughout the year. The timing and availability of mushrooms in the Southeast are based on observations in the Southern Appalachia area (34.7 degrees N latitude). The elusive Morel mushroom is one of the most prized finds, with a foraging season that varies from year to year. While Morels can be found in the Southeast, they are more abundant in areas further North.
Other edible mushrooms found in the Southeast include Oyster mushrooms, which are abundant and can be found in small to large clusters on dead or dying trees. Lion's Mane is another striking and fairly common mushroom in the region, with three main species: H. erinaceous, H. coralloides, and H. americanum. Wood Blewit is another mushroom that can be foraged in the Southeast, though its texture may not be to everyone's taste.
Foragers may also come across Hen of the Woods, which can be found growing at the base of large old trees, particularly in historic districts with mature oak trees. This mushroom is known for its delicious taste. Black Trumpets are extremely difficult to find, but they are edible and worth seeking out with proper identification skills. While not everyone's favorite, Berkeley's Polypores can grow to impressive sizes, making them a fun find in the Southeast.
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Toxic mushrooms in the South
Toxic mushrooms can be found in several states in the South of the United States, including North Carolina and South Carolina. With thousands of wild mushroom species in North America, at least 250 are known to be significantly poisonous and can be divided into eight categories based on the chemistry of their toxins and the symptoms they cause.
Some toxic mushrooms in the South are widespread and common, while others are less so. For example, the Chlorophyllum molybdites is the most commonly eaten poisonous mushroom in America. Although it does not usually cause death, it does cause gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, and colic. Another example is the Chlorinosma, which is commonly found in pine and oak forests in North Carolina and should be avoided at all costs. It is especially tricky to identify as it resembles any ordinary white mushroom.
The Amanita genus contains several toxic mushrooms, including the Amanita virosa, or "Destroying Angel," which is considered the most toxic mushroom in North America and is found in South Carolina and many other parts of the world. It resembles several other mushrooms, including the Portobello, making it even more dangerous. The toxicity of the Amanita virosa usually takes place in the liver, where cells begin to die within hours, eventually killing the host. Another toxic mushroom in the Amanita genus is the Amanita citrina, or "false death cap," which has a slight toxicity and is found in South Carolina. It smells like mustard oil or potatoes, and although it is not commonly eaten, it can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Other toxic mushrooms in the South include the Omphalotus olearius, or "Jack-o-Lantern," which is commonly found throughout North Carolina and is highly poisonous. It resembles a variety of edible mushrooms belonging to the genus Chanterelles. The Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, which is often found growing in houseplants and on the forest floor in warmer environments, is also included on a list of mushrooms to avoid in North Carolina, although its edibility is unknown.
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Mushroom foraging seasons in the South
The Southeast of the United States is a haven for mushroom foraging, with its misty Appalachian forests and coastal plains offering a bounty of edible mushrooms. The timing of the mushroom foraging season in the Southeast is based on observations in the Southern Appalachia area (34.7 degrees N latitude) but is relevant for most of the region.
Spring is the most well-known time for mushroom foraging, with Morel mushrooms popping up in damp spring woods. The Morel is the most popular foraging mushroom across North America and the world, and while they can be found in the Southeast, they are in much smaller numbers than in areas further north. The Morel mushroom season typically starts when the ground temperature about 4 inches below the surface reaches around 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Chanterelles are another mushroom variety that can be found in the Southern Appalachia area, extending further south than Morels.
Autumn is also a great season for mushroom foraging in the Southeast, with a variety of edible mushrooms to discover. As the weather cools, saprophytic mushrooms like oysters often appear first in cold, damp areas before spreading to warmer locations. Other mushrooms to look out for in the fall include Chicken of the Woods, Lion's Mane, lobsters, and hedgehogs. Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are one of the easiest to identify due to their intense orange color and smooth texture. They grow on dead trees and logs and can be easily cut off to bring home and cook.
For ground foraging, focus on areas with moist soil and plenty of organic matter, looking near the base of trees or in open fields. When foraging on trees, examine both living and dead wood, paying attention to stumps, logs, and standing trees. Creek beds and other moist areas are hotspots for mushroom foraging, with creek bottoms being particularly productive early in the season.
It's important to always exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms and to get a positive identification. There are edible lookalikes that could be toxic to the untrained forager.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are mushrooms in the South.
Lion's mane, Wood blewits, Morels, Black Staining Polypore, Shaggy Stalked Bolete, and Hen of the Woods are some mushrooms that can be found in the Southeast.
Yes, King Bolete or Porcini (Boletus edulis) does not occur in the Southeast.
Mushrooms can be found in the Southern Appalachia area, south of the Alabama-Tennessee border, and as far south as Atlanta, Georgia. They are typically found in forests, around wetlands, ravines, and grasslands.
The mushroom foraging season in the Southeast varies by year, but typically starts when ground temperatures about 4 inches below the surface reach around 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Some mushrooms, like Lion's Mane, can still be found in the winter.
