Mushroom Hunting In Ohio: Discovering A Mycological Paradise

Ohio is home to thousands of different mushroom species, from the magical glow-in-the-dark variety to the deadly poisonous. With such a vast array, it's no wonder that mushrooms have inspired folklore and stories, as well as played a role in healing rituals for thousands of years. While only about 3% of wild mushrooms are poisonous, it's important to be able to distinguish between the edible and toxic varieties. Some mushrooms, like the morel, are considered a delicacy, while others, like the false morel, can make you very ill. Beyond their culinary uses, mushrooms are essential to the survival of trees, forming mutually beneficial relationships with their roots.

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Common edible mushrooms

There are over 2,000 species of wild mushrooms in Ohio, and while some are edible and delicious, others are extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death. It is important to never eat a mushroom you find unless you are with a mycologist (mushroom expert) and are absolutely certain it is edible. Even mushrooms that are edible may cause illness in some people, so it is important to eat only a small amount the first time.

Some edible mushrooms that are commonly found in Ohio include morels, chanterelles, oysters, and chicken of the woods. Morels are choice edible mushrooms that are most abundant during April and the first two weeks of May. They are generally considered to be excellent, but even these may cause illness in some persons, so it is important to eat only a small amount the first time and save a sample in case you become ill.

Chanterelles, oysters, and chicken of the woods are also popular edible mushrooms found in Ohio. However, it is important to be cautious as some poisonous mushrooms may look very similar to these edible varieties. It is recommended to learn how to identify both edible and poisonous mushrooms and only consume those that have been positively identified as safe to eat.

While not commonly considered a food source, some people also consume Turkey Tail mushrooms, which are used in Eastern medicine and as an herbal supplement. However, it is important to note that wild specimens of Turkey Tail mushrooms should not be consumed or handled, and supplements containing this mushroom are not FDA-approved.

Poisonous mushrooms

There are over 2,000 species of wild mushrooms in Ohio, and while only about 3% are poisonous, it's still important to be able to identify them to avoid serious illness or even death. It's worth noting that there is no way to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms, so it's important to be able to identify the edible species and only consume those.

Some of the most common poisonous mushrooms in Ohio include the Sulphur Tuft, which grows in clusters on fallen logs, tree stumps, and buried roots in deciduous forests. Its caps are light yellow, darkening to greenish as the mushroom matures, and it looks similar to some edible varieties. Another common poisonous mushroom is the Eastern American Jack-O'-Lantern, which also resembles edible Chanterelles. Its caps are 2-6cm in diameter and light yellow, and it grows in long-stalked, bell-shaped clusters. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps due to the presence of a toxic compound called sesquiterpene.

Other poisonous mushrooms in Ohio include the Funeral Bell, which grows on decaying wood, particularly conifer stumps and logs, and the Violet-toothed Polypore, which only grows on decaying aspen and poplar trees. The Lilac Mycenas or Lilac Bellcaps are also toxic, with caps that start as lilac or purple and bell-shaped but flatten and fade to other shades as they age.

It's important to note that even edible mushrooms can cause illness in some people, so it's always a good idea to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms. It is recommended to only consume wild mushrooms under the guidance of a mycologist or mushroom expert.

Mycorrhizal mushrooms

There are over 2,000 species of wild mushrooms in Ohio, with some estimates placing the number at 5,100. Many of these mushrooms form mutualistic relationships with tree roots, which are known as mycorrhizae. In these relationships, the trees provide carbohydrates to the fungi, while the fungi provide water and vital minerals to the trees. Mycorrhizal mushrooms are essential to the growth and survival of many trees.

One of the most common and charismatic mycorrhizal mushrooms in Ohio is the Cantharellus lateritius, or "smooth chanterelle". It forms mycorrhizal relationships with hardwood trees and produces bright orange trumpet-shaped mushrooms with caps that have a central depression and an underside that is either smooth or has blunt ridges. It often fruits in large quantities and stands out against the brown and green of the forest floor. It has a faint fruity odour and a meaty texture. Smooth chanterelles are edible and commonly eaten by box turtles in Central Ohio.

Another common mycorrhizal mushroom in Ohio is the Turkey-tail. This mushroom is used in Eastern medicine and as an herbal supplement, although wild specimens should not be consumed or handled. Turkey-tails often grow in stacked patterns, resembling roof tiles. They are found in mature forests, particularly on the logs of deciduous trees.

The White Jelly Fungus is another mushroom species native to Ohio. It grows on partially rotted logs and forms a mass of irregular, gelatinous, whitish globs. It feels wet and jelly-like on the surface but is dense and brittle. Older specimens may discolour, turning brown, yellow, pink, or purple.

It is important to note that many mushrooms in Ohio are poisonous, and it is difficult to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms. Even mushrooms that are generally considered safe, such as morels, may cause illness in some individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible and to consume only a small amount the first time.

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Wild mushrooms and where to find them

There are over 2,000 species of wild mushrooms in Ohio, with only about 3% being poisonous. However, it is important to only consume mushrooms that are known to be edible, as even edible mushrooms can cause illness in certain individuals. Some of the most common mushrooms found in Ohio include the Turkey Tail, White Jelly Fungus, Lion's Mane, Morel, Oyster, and Chanterelle.

Turkey Tail mushrooms are known for their multicolored concentric rings on the caps, which can range from black to shades of brown and white. They typically grow on the logs of deciduous trees in mature forests, where dead trees provide the perfect environment for this fungus. While Turkey Tail mushrooms are used in Eastern medicine and as herbal supplements, wild specimens should not be consumed or handled.

White Jelly Fungus, also known for its whitish appearance, forms a mass of irregular, gelatinous, whitish globs that feel wet and jelly-like on the surface but are surprisingly dense and brittle. They are commonly found growing on partially rotted logs in deciduous forests.

Lion's Mane, Morel, Oyster, and Chanterelle mushrooms are all known to be edible and quite delicious. Morels, in particular, are considered a choice edible mushroom and can be found in late March to early April, with their abundance lasting through April and the first two weeks of May. However, it is important to distinguish between true morels and false morels, as the latter is poisonous and should not be consumed.

In addition to these species, there are many other wild mushrooms that can be found in Ohio, including the Agaricus group, which can be found in mid-October to mid-November, primarily near Maumee State Park and Oberlin. These mushrooms are white and slightly scaly, with caps that can reach the size of softballs and stems that can be several inches in diameter.

When foraging for wild mushrooms, it is crucial to properly identify the mushrooms and be certain of their edibility. It is recommended to only consume mushrooms that are known to be edible and to avoid raw mushrooms. Always consume a small amount the first time and save a sample of the mushroom in case identification needs to be confirmed.

Mushrooms in folklore and rituals

There are thousands of different mushroom species in Ohio. While some are edible, many are poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death. It is advised not to eat wild mushrooms unless you are with a mycologist or mushroom expert.

Mushrooms have been a part of folklore and rituals for thousands of years. Their seemingly magical growth and unique characteristics have made them a subject of fascination and mysticism across various cultures.

In European folklore, mushrooms are strongly associated with the magical realm and mythical creatures like fairies and elves. The image of a "fairy circle," a ring of mushrooms, is believed to be a portal to the fairy realm. These circles were both revered and feared, with humans warned against stepping into them. Mushrooms have also been connected with witches, sorcerers, and the Devil, often symbolizing decay, existential dread, and the death of the ego.

Among indigenous peoples of Central and South America, psychoactive mushrooms like the psilocybin species played a significant role in religious ceremonies. The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations held these "flesh of the gods" in high regard, and their consumption was regulated by religious authorities. In Aztec culture, these mushrooms were called "teonanácatl," and archaeological records depict mushroom gods.

In some Native American cultures, mushrooms were considered powerful medicine or spiritual tools. The puffball mushrooms, for instance, were used in healing rituals, with their cloud of spores believed to spread healing power. Similarly, the Māori people of New Zealand employed certain fungi for their therapeutic properties in their traditional healing practices.

Mushrooms have also been viewed as symbols of life, death, and rebirth due to their unique growth cycle, appearing and disappearing quickly. Some cultures interpret mushrooms as symbols of immortality or as a bridge between the mortal world and the spirit realm.

The red-capped and white-spotted Amanita muscaria mushroom is also associated with Japanese folklore, often depicted alongside the popular character Tanuki, the raccoon dog.

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