Emma Wilson
Tennessee is home to thousands of different types of mushrooms, with some being extremely poisonous and others being delicious and safe to eat. Fungi are incredibly diverse, and make wonderful photography subjects as they can't run away. Hunting for wild mushrooms can be a fun way to get outside, but it is important to be able to identify them to avoid ingesting toxic varieties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom types in Tennessee | Thousands |
| Edibility | Many mushrooms are poisonous and can lead to headaches, vomiting, liver and kidney failure, and even death. |
| Common mushrooms | Turkey-tail, Shaggy Manes, Morels, Laetiporus (sulphur shelf, chicken mushroom, or hen of the woods), Ringless Honey Mushrooms |
| Mushroom hunting tips | Look for mushrooms after a rainy spell, in mature forests, near decaying trees, in areas with sandy soil, or in state parks. |
| Consumption advice | Never eat a mushroom you find in the wild without the guidance of a mycologist (mushroom expert) or an experienced forager. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Turkey Tail Mushrooms: used in Eastern medicine, found on logs of deciduous trees
- Poisonous Mushrooms: dangerous lookalikes of Shaggy Manes, found in large clusters
- Morels: a popular, tasty, and easy-to-find wild mushroom, found near decaying trees
- Sulphur Shelf/Chicken Mushrooms: known for their chicken-like taste and texture, found from spring to fall
- Wild Mushroom Foraging: a fun but risky activity, with some mushrooms causing liver/kidney failure or death
Turkey Tail Mushrooms: used in Eastern medicine, found on logs of deciduous trees
There are thousands of different types of mushrooms in Tennessee. Turkey Tail mushrooms are among the most common types found in the state. They are characterised by their multicoloured concentric rings and their growth on logs of deciduous trees.
Turkey Tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor) are commonly used in Eastern medicine and as herbal supplements. In China, they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, they are called kawaratake. They have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, often as a complementary treatment for cancer. They contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which have been shown to slow cancer growth, improve response to chemotherapy, and boost the immune system. Turkey Tail mushrooms are also believed to promote healthy gut bacteria and have demonstrated antiviral properties against HIV, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus.
When taken orally, Turkey Tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, some people receiving chemotherapy who have consumed PSK have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. It is unclear whether these side effects are due to chemotherapy or PSK. There is insufficient information to determine the safety of using Turkey Tail mushrooms vaginally or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid use in these cases.
Turkey Tail mushrooms grow in groups, rows, or clusters on stumps and logs of deciduous trees. They are easily identifiable by their multicoloured zones above and whitish-yellow pores below. They are very common throughout North America, often found in mature forests with dead trees that provide the perfect environment for their growth.
While Turkey Tail mushrooms have potential health benefits, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming them and only purchase purified versions from reputable sources. Wild mushrooms should not be consumed unless you are with a mycologist (mushroom expert) as many species are poisonous and potentially deadly.
Defeating Mushroom 5: Strategies for Success
You may want to see also
Poisonous Mushrooms: dangerous lookalikes of Shaggy Manes, found in large clusters
There are thousands of different types of mushrooms in Tennessee, and many of them are poisonous. One mushroom variety that foragers in Tennessee should be cautious of is the Shaggy Mane, or Coprinus comatus. Shaggy Manes are edible and choice mushrooms, especially when young, but they resemble several poisonous species.
Shaggy Manes have a cylindrical cap, not pointed or triangular, with visible shaggy scales. The caps are white, covered with pale brown shaggy scales, and range from 4–8 cm (1+5⁄8–3+1⁄8 in) in width and 6–20 cm (2+3⁄8–7+7⁄8 in) in height. The gills beneath the cap are white, then turn pink, and then black. Shaggy Manes are unusual because they will turn black and dissolve themselves in a matter of hours after being picked or depositing spores.
Shaggy Manes can be distinguished from poisonous look-alikes by their shaggy texture. The "Alcohol Inky Cap", for example, lacks the shaggy texture on its cap. Consuming the Alcohol Ink Cap with alcohol can cause extreme nausea, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms due to its toxic component, "coprine". Coprine poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, palpitations, and a metallic taste in the mouth. In addition, the magpie fungus, Chlorophyllum molybdites (commonly known as the "vomiter"), is responsible for most cases of mushroom poisoning in America due to its similarity to Shaggy Manes and other edible mushrooms.
Shaggy Manes typically grow singularly but can also be found in tightly packed groups or large clusters. Foragers should exercise caution when identifying Shaggy Manes, as they resemble other poisonous mushrooms that grow in clusters. It is recommended that you never eat a mushroom that you find and that you only consume wild mushrooms with a mycologist (mushroom expert).
Psychedelic Mushroom Spores: Are They Illegal?
You may want to see also
Morels: a popular, tasty, and easy-to-find wild mushroom, found near decaying trees
There are thousands of different types of mushrooms in Tennessee, and many of them are poisonous. Some mushrooms are toxic and can lead to health conditions like headaches, vomiting, and liver and kidney failure, and even death. Therefore, it is important to never eat a mushroom you find without the guidance of a mycologist (mushroom expert) or an experienced forager.
Morels are one of the most popular wild mushrooms in the United States. They have a delicious, woodsy flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes. They are also relatively widespread and easy to identify, making them a great option for beginner mushroom hunters.
Morels can be found during the first few weeks of spring, typically after a rainy spell when nighttime temperatures have been above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for four to five days. They are often found in the ground near decaying trees, such as sycamore, hickory, ash, elm, or fruit trees. Areas with sandy soil, like creeks and riverbeds, are also ideal habitats for morels.
Morels have a distinctive appearance that makes them relatively easy to identify. They have a cone-shaped cap with a honeycomb-like structure and a hollow stem. The caps can range in color from light brown to pale yellow, and the stalks are typically white to pale yellow. The mushrooms often grow in clusters, and their size can vary from small to large.
When foraging for morels, it is important to be mindful of the environment and to follow local guidelines. In Tennessee State Natural Areas, for example, fungi must not be collected or disturbed. In State Parks, collecting a small handful of fungi is generally permitted, but it is considerate to leave them for other visitors to enjoy as well. Remember to only consume mushrooms that have been identified as safe by a knowledgeable expert.
Dog owners beware: Mushroom allergy in dogs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sulphur Shelf/Chicken Mushrooms: known for their chicken-like taste and texture, found from spring to fall
There are thousands of different types of mushrooms in Tennessee, many of which are poisonous. Sulphur Shelf mushrooms, also known as Chicken Mushrooms, Chicken of the Woods, or Chicken Fungi, are found in the state. They are known for their chicken-like taste and texture and can be used as a substitute for chicken in vegetarian dishes. They are dense and bland in flavor, making them perfect for cooking in a variety of dishes as they absorb flavors well. They can be blanched, sautéed, fried, or baked, and they work well in curries, rice recipes, risottos, casseroles, or egg dishes.
Chicken of the Woods gets its name because it often tastes and has a texture similar to chicken meat. It is also called sulphur shelf due to its bright whitish-yellow to orange color, resembling the color of sulphur. The caps of these mushrooms grow in large, overlapping brackets, which are individual "shelves" ranging from 2 to 10 inches across (about 5 to 25 cm) and up to 10 inches long. These brackets are roughly fan-shaped and may be smooth or lightly wrinkled, with a suede-like texture. The outside cap color can vary from whitish-yellow to whitish-orange, and the inside flesh is soft and similarly colored. As the mushroom ages, the colors fade, and the flesh becomes harder and more crumbly.
Chicken of the Woods is commonly found on the wounds of trees, especially oak, but it can also be found on eucalyptus, yew, sweet chestnut, willow, and conifers. It is a parasitic fungus that produces brown rot in its host, eventually leading to the collapse of the host tree. It thrives from late spring to early autumn and is often found growing on or at the base of dead or dying hardwood trees. It can also fruit on living trees and is sometimes found on dead conifer stumps.
When foraging for Chicken of the Woods, it is important to correctly identify the mushroom as there are many poisonous look-alikes. It is recommended to only eat fresh, young brackets and start with small quantities to check for any adverse reactions, as some people may experience mild allergies or reactions to the mushroom's proteins or toxins. Raw Chicken of the Woods mushrooms should be avoided as they can cause a severe upset stomach. Always cook these mushrooms thoroughly before consuming.
Best Cream Options for Mushroom Sauce
You may want to see also
Wild Mushroom Foraging: a fun but risky activity, with some mushrooms causing liver/kidney failure or death
Wild mushroom foraging is an exhilarating activity that connects you with nature and provides fresh, unique ingredients for your kitchen. However, it is not without risks. Tennessee, for example, is home to thousands of different types of mushrooms, many of which are poisonous and can cause severe health issues or even death.
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which use them to disperse spores and create more mushrooms. While this process is fascinating, it also means that mushrooms can be difficult to identify, and some varieties look very similar to their poisonous counterparts. For example, the Shaggy Mane mushroom found in Tennessee resembles the deadly Galerina mushroom. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to identify mushrooms with confidence before consuming them. Beginners should stick to easily identifiable mushrooms with no toxic look-alikes, such as morels, and always cook them thoroughly to destroy any harmful compounds.
Even mushrooms that are generally considered safe can cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially if they are not properly cooked or if they have absorbed environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, or pollutants. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid foraging in areas with a history of industrial activity, near roadsides, or in contaminated soils. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical help and, if possible, bring a sample of the ingested mushroom for identification.
To minimize the risks associated with wild mushroom foraging, it is essential to educate yourself about the different types of mushrooms in your area. You can take a mushroom identification course, join local mycological societies or foraging groups, or use reliable guidebooks or apps for mushroom identification. Cross-checking your findings with experienced foragers or online forums is also a good idea. Remember, when in doubt, leave it out—it is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with wild mushrooms.
By taking the necessary precautions and practicing cautious identification, you can safely enjoy the delights of wild mushroom foraging. With patience and common sense, you can learn to reliably identify edible mushrooms and avoid the poisonous varieties. So, get out there, explore your nearby wild places, and discover the thrill of venturing off the beaten path in search of delicious and rewarding wild mushrooms!
Mushroom Universe: Exploring the Diversity of Species
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are thousands of mushroom varieties in Tennessee, with 28 of them being the most common.
Shaggy Manes, Turkey-tail, Morels, Laetiporus (commonly known as sulphur shelf, chicken mushroom, or hen of the woods), and Ringless Honey Mushrooms are some examples of common mushrooms found in Tennessee.
While collecting a handful of fungi is allowed in Tennessee State Parks, it is prohibited in State Natural Areas. It is also important to never consume wild mushrooms without the guidance of a mushroom expert, as many varieties are toxic and can be deadly.
