Michael Davis
Florida is home to a variety of wild mushrooms, some of which are edible, while others are poisonous or even psychoactive. The state's warm climate and sandy soils provide ideal conditions for mushroom growth, with different species fruiting throughout the year. Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in Florida, with enthusiasts seeking out boletes, puffballs, chanterelles, indigo milk-caps, and ganodermas. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms, as some species can be toxic or even deadly. Proper identification, consulting experts, and thorough cooking are essential to ensure safe and enjoyable mushroom hunting in Florida.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common edible mushrooms | Boletes, puffballs, chanterelles, indigo milk-caps, and ganodermas |
| Common poisonous mushrooms | Deadly Galerina, some boletes |
| Common psychoactive mushrooms | Psilocybe, Panaeolus |
| Common lawn mushrooms | Ringless Honey Mushroom, Green-spored parasol |
| Fruiting seasons | Summer (March to November), Winter (end of November to February) |
| Fruiting conditions | Water, temperature, humidity, wind |
| Common locations | Hardwood forests, exposed roots, stumps, buried roots, near spruce or hemlock, oak |
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What You'll Learn
- Common edible mushrooms in Florida include boletes, puffballs, and chanterelles
- The Ringless Honey Mushroom is a common lawn mushroom in Florida
- The 'green-spored parasol' mushroom is a common lawn mushroom in Florida, but it causes gastrointestinal distress
- Chicken of the Woods grows on dead or dying hardwood forest trees
- Florida has two mushroom seasons: summer and winter
Common edible mushrooms in Florida include boletes, puffballs, and chanterelles
Florida's warm, almost winterless climate and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for a variety of mushroom species. The state is home to a diverse range of wild mushrooms, with about 270 known species found within its borders. Among these, common edible mushrooms include boletes, puffballs, and chanterelles.
Bolete mushrooms, also known as porcini mushrooms or Penny Buns, are dense-fleshed fungi characterised by their lack of gills and sponge-like undercaps. They thrive in hardwood forests near spruce, hemlock, and particularly on Oakwood. Florida boasts a variety of boletes, such as the Ruby Bolete (Hortiboletus rubellus), known for its soapy taste, and the Butyriboletus Floridanus, which has a citrus-like flavour. While the presence of the King Bolete in Florida is disputed, it has been identified by local Floridians and bloggers.
Puffball mushrooms are another edible treat found in Florida. These mushrooms are prized for their soft, marshmallow-like flesh and ability to absorb the flavours of other ingredients, making them versatile in the kitchen. Puffballs are considered edible when they are young, and it is important to remove their outer skin and discard any discoloured slices to avoid mature spores affecting the taste.
Chanterelle mushrooms, including the species Cantharellus and Craterellus, are common edible fungi in Florida. They are easily identifiable by their bright shades of yellow, orange, pink, and other colours, as well as their funnel-shaped fruiting bodies and blunt "false gills." Chanterelles grow in symbiotic relationships with the roots of woody plants and are typically found in forests during warm and humid periods, especially in southern Florida. Their flesh has a firm and dense texture, sometimes likened to string cheese, and some varieties have a fruity aroma reminiscent of apricots.
While these mushrooms are generally safe for consumption, it is crucial to exercise caution when foraging for wild mushrooms. Always properly identify mushrooms before consuming them and cook them thoroughly. Consulting local experts or mycologists is highly recommended to avoid accidental ingestion of poisonous species.
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The Ringless Honey Mushroom is a common lawn mushroom in Florida
The Ringless Honey Mushroom, Armillaria tabescens, is a common lawn mushroom in Florida. It is a southern stand-in for a very common mushroom in North America and Europe, Armillaria mellea. Ringless Honey Mushrooms are cespitos, growing in clusters at the bases of trees or stumps, especially of oaks, and over buried wood. They are honey-coloured, with a dry, scaly cap, and lack a ring on the stalk. Their gills are white to yellowish or flesh-coloured, often spotted darker in age. The stalks are thick, tapering towards the base, off-white to brownish, and fibrous.
Ringless Honey Mushrooms are one of the easier mushrooms to identify. They grow on wood, preferably oak, but have also been found growing on Buckeyes, Hemlock, Hollies, Junipers, Sweetgums, Plums, Apples, Perseas, Maples, Pines, Ash, Alders, Almonds and Walnuts. They are usually found growing on stumps or decomposing roots, and are particularly common where a dead tree has been removed. They can also be found growing in lawns without any trees nearby, possibly emerging from a shallow root.
Ringless Honey Mushrooms are edible and good when young and fresh, but must be thoroughly cooked or they can cause serious stomach upset. If gathering from urban areas, it is important to ensure no lawn treatments have been used. Some people use only the caps, discarding the tough stems. As with all mushrooms, it is important to be certain of your identification before eating.
Ringless Honey Mushrooms appear in fall, growing, spreading their caps, and shedding spores. As the fruiting bodies begin to deteriorate, insects swarm over what is left of them, providing food for birds, salamanders, toads, and other animals.
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The 'green-spored parasol' mushroom is a common lawn mushroom in Florida, but it causes gastrointestinal distress
The green-spored parasol mushroom, scientifically known as Chlorophyllum molybdites, is a common lawn mushroom species in Florida. It is also known as the false parasol, green-spored lepiota, and vomiter. It is a poisonous mushroom that causes gastrointestinal distress and is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning in the United States.
The green-spored parasol mushroom is characterised by its large cap, which ranges from 8 to 30 cm in diameter, and its whitish colour with coarse brownish scales. The underside of the cap has greenish gills that are not attached to the stem, and it produces green spores, giving it its name. This mushroom grows in lawns, meadows, and open pastures, often forming a complete or incomplete "fairy ring." It is widely distributed throughout Florida and the southeastern United States and can be found in human-inhabited areas, such as mowed lawns and carefully maintained landscapes.
The mushroom's toxicity is due to the chemical compound molybdophyllysin, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. The severity of symptoms can vary between individuals due to differences in stomach pepsins and gastrointestinal pH. Young children and pets are at a higher risk of poisoning by this mushroom because of their smaller size and higher likelihood of ingesting fresh mushrooms found in lawns.
It is important to distinguish the green-spored parasol mushroom from edible species such as Chlorophyllum rhacodes (the shaggy parasol) and Macrolepiota procera (parasol mushroom), which it is often mistaken for. Proper identification of mushrooms is crucial to avoid poisoning, and it is recommended to consult with local experts before consuming any wild mushrooms.
Florida is also home to other wild mushroom species, including boletes, puffballs, chanterelles, indigo milk-caps, and ganodermas (or reishi). Some notable edible mushrooms found in Florida include the bolete or porcini mushroom, the Ruby Bolete (Hortiboletus rubellus), the Butyriboletus Floridanus, chanterelles or "Golden Chanterelles", and the Cinnabar Chanterelles (Cantharellus cinnabarinus).
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Chicken of the Woods grows on dead or dying hardwood forest trees
Chicken of the Woods, or sulphur shelf fungus, is a mushroom that grows on dead or dying hardwood forest trees, such as oak, cherry, beech, eucalyptus, yew, sweet chestnut, and willow. It is commonly found in Florida, particularly on Live Oaks, and is known for its distinctive appearance and taste.
Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus) is easily identifiable by its smooth or wrinkled fan-shaped caps that grow in overlapping "shelves" or "brackets". The underside of the caps ranges from light pinkish-orange to white-yellow pores, and it has no gills. The mushroom has a strong "fungusy" smell and a texture and taste similar to chicken or, according to some, crab or lobster. It can be prepared in a variety of ways and is considered a delicacy in certain parts of Germany and North America.
In addition to its distinctive appearance and taste, Chicken of the Woods is also unique in that it grows on dead or dying hardwood trees. It creates brittle brown rot and hollows out the heartwood while leaving the living sapwood untouched. This makes it a good choice for inexperienced mushroom hunters, as it is not easily mistaken for other mushrooms. However, it is important to note that Chicken of the Woods growing on eucalyptus or cedar trees can cause gastric distress when ingested.
Chicken of the Woods typically fruits from spring to early autumn and can be found growing on the trunks of trees or at the base of trees on stumps or exposed roots. It is often found in hardwood forests, which are common in Florida. These forests are characterized by their dense foliage and variety of tree species, providing the ideal environment for Chicken of the Woods to thrive.
For those interested in foraging for Chicken of the Woods in Florida, it is important to exercise caution and consult local experts or guidebooks to properly identify edible mushrooms. While Chicken of the Woods is distinct in appearance and taste, other wild mushrooms may have toxic lookalikes that can be dangerous or even deadly. By familiarizing oneself with the unique characteristics of Chicken of the Woods and other edible mushrooms, one can safely enjoy the benefits of mushroom hunting in Florida's lush hardwood forests.
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Florida has two mushroom seasons: summer and winter
Florida's unique climate means that it experiences two mushroom seasons: summer and winter. Summer mushrooms can appear anytime from March to November, while winter mushrooms typically grow from the end of November to the end of February, provided there is sufficient rainfall.
The warm, wet climate of Florida creates the perfect environment for mushrooms to thrive. As long as there is enough water, mushrooms will continue to fruit throughout the summer. The state's sandy soils and quick-draining landscape mean that rainfall is essential for mushroom growth during the warmer months.
During the summer season, a variety of mushrooms can be found in Florida, including the famous culinary mushroom, bolete. Boletes are dense-fleshed with no gills and a sponge-like undercap. They grow in hardwood forests near spruce or hemlock trees and are one of the safer types of mushrooms to forage. Other summer mushrooms include the soapy-tasting Ruby Bolete and the citrus-like Butyriboletus Floridanus.
As the temperature cools down in winter, a different suite of mushrooms emerges. The Chicken of the Woods mushroom, for example, grows during the cooler months. This mushroom gets its name from its taste, which is reminiscent of chicken with a hint of lemon. It is a perfect mushroom for beginners as it is easily identifiable and grows above ground on dead or dying hardwood forest trees. Another mushroom to look out for in the winter is the Ringless Honey Mushroom, which is one of the most common late fall-early winter mushrooms in Florida.
While Florida's climate allows for a diverse range of mushrooms, it is important to exercise caution when foraging. Not all mushrooms are edible, and consuming the wrong variety can have dangerous consequences. It is always recommended to consult with local experts or field guides before consuming any wild mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Common wild mushrooms that grow in Florida include the bolete, puffballs, chanterelles, indigo milk-caps, ganodermas (or reishi), and the Ringless Honey Mushroom. Florida also has four psychoactive species in the Panaeolus genus.
The Ringless Honey Mushroom is one of the easier mushrooms to identify. It has widely spaced gills that stain or turn brown or brownish-pink when bruised or aged. The cap is white on the inside and has dark hairs in the middle. The bolete variety does not have gills and has a sponge-like undercap.
It is not advisable to eat any wild mushrooms without checking with a local mushroom expert. While some mushrooms, such as the bolete, are generally safe to eat, others, such as the Ringless Honey Mushroom, may cause sickness in certain individuals. Additionally, some toxic mushrooms may resemble edible ones, so proper identification is crucial.
