Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a type of fungus with a stem and a cap. While mushroom identification can be fun, it can also be challenging and potentially dangerous. Misidentifying mushrooms can have serious, even fatal, consequences. Beginners are advised to join local groups or clubs to learn from experts. There are many factors to consider when identifying mushrooms, including the size, colour, and shape of the cap and stem, the presence of gills, ridges, teeth, or pores on the underside of the cap, and the colour and size of spores.
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What You'll Learn
Observe the size, colour and shape of the cap and stem
When identifying a mushroom, it is important to observe the size, colour, and shape of its cap and stem. These physical characteristics are usually the first thing one notices when examining a new mushroom.
The cap, also known as the pileus, can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some common shapes include conical, vase-shaped, funnel-shaped, and bell-shaped. The colour of the cap can also vary, ranging from white to reddish-brown to dark brown. For example, mushrooms in the Hypholoma genus typically have reddish-brown caps, while those in the Tapinella genus have reddish-brown to dark brown velvety caps.
The stem, also referred to as the stipe or stalk, also exhibits different characteristics. Stems can be slender, curved, or central, and may or may not have a ring or partial veil. The colour of the stem can vary as well, such as white or colourful. For instance, the mushrooms in the Stropharia genus are characterised by their colourful, sticky caps and stems with a distinctive annulus (ring).
It is important to note that mushroom identification goes beyond just the physical characteristics of the cap and stem. Other factors to consider include the presence of gills, pores, or teeth underneath the cap, as well as the overall habitat and growth pattern of the mushroom. Additionally, spore prints, which indicate the colour of the spores, can be a significant characteristic for identification. Nevertheless, observing the size, colour, and shape of the cap and stem is a crucial first step in the mushroom identification process.
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Check for pores, gills, ridges or teeth under the cap
When identifying a mushroom, it is important to check for pores, gills, ridges, or teeth under the cap. These structures are called the hymenium, and they are where the spores are found.
Gills are thin, papery structures that hang vertically under the cap. They are made up of two layers: the lamellae, which reach from the stem to the edge, and the lamellulae, which are shorter gills that do not reach the stem. Gills can have many distinct characteristics, such as whether they are wavy or straight, and how they attach to the stem. Some mushrooms have false gills, which look like ridges and cannot be easily plucked from the cap.
Pores are small, sponge-like holes that lead to tubes inside the cap. As spores mature, they fall from the tubes out of the holes and into the environment. The colour, size, pattern, and quantity of pores can help determine the identity of a mushroom. Boletes and polypores are two common types of mushrooms known to have pores.
Ridges are blunt, forked structures that run down the stem and cannot be easily separated from the cap. Caps with ridges are often funnel-shaped and range in colour from golden yellow to grey or black.
Teeth are long, thin structures that hang downward and produce spores. They are also called spines and are found on tooth fungi, which often have a fleshy, funnel-shaped cap and can range in colour from brown to orange to yellow. The presence of teeth will narrow down your search considerably when identifying mushrooms.
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Examine the colour and characteristics of the spores
One of the most important features used to identify mushrooms is the colour and characteristics of their spores. Spore prints can be white, cream, black, or shades of red, purple, brown, or even violet. The poisonous false parasol mushroom, for example, has a green spore deposit.
To make a spore print, place the mushroom cap facing downwards on a piece of glass, paper, or Plexiglas. Cover it with a cup or glass placed upside down over the cap to prevent air currents from distributing the spores. Leave it overnight. The next day, the spore print can be checked against light or dark paper as needed to see the spore colour. If the mushroom is to be preserved, a small hole can be made in the spore print paper instead of cutting the stipe.
Spore prints are an important diagnostic character in most handbooks for identifying mushrooms. However, it is important to note that a mushroom cannot be identified from its spore print alone. Other characteristics, such as gill shape, pore surface, and the presence of a ring or volva, should also be considered.
Additionally, the colour of the spore print may vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the print and the age of the mushroom. For example, in the genus Lactarius, thin spore deposits are usually white, while thick deposits are cream to yellow. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the colour and characteristics of spores in combination with other identifying features to accurately determine the type of mushroom.
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Identify the smell and taste
Smell and taste are important factors in mushroom identification. However, it is crucial to remember that some mushrooms can be deadly poisonous, so it is not recommended to taste mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain that they are safe to eat. Even tasting a very small piece of a poisonous mushroom could contain enough poison to kill you.
Some mushrooms have a strongly unpleasant odour, such as stinkhorns and Lepiota cristata. If a mushroom has a mealy or bleach-like smell, it will most likely taste as it smells, so there is no need to taste it. On the other hand, morel mushrooms taste and smell earthy and nutty, and chanterelles are pleasantly fruity, smelling like apricots. Enoki mushrooms have a delicate flavour and a crunchy texture, making them ideal for salads.
If you are attempting to identify a mushroom, you can break off a tiny piece of the cap, chew it with your front teeth, and then taste it with the tip of your tongue. Do not swallow any part of the mushroom, and be sure to spit it out and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
In addition to smell and taste, other factors are important in mushroom identification, such as the presence of gills, ridges, teeth, or a porous surface under the cap. The colour, shape, size, and texture of the mushroom, as well as the habitat in which it was found, can also provide valuable clues about its identity.
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Note the location and growth patterns
When identifying mushrooms, it is important to note their location and growth patterns. Mushrooms grow in a variety of locations, with different species favouring specific environments. For example, mushrooms classified as saprophytes, such as portobello, lion's mane, or tremella, often grow on the sides of trees or from the ground, feeding on decaying organic matter. In contrast, parasitic mushrooms require a living host, such as a plant or insect, to support their growth.
In the wild, mushrooms grow in complex, webbed patterns beneath the forest floor, forming symbiotic relationships with surrounding plants to exchange nutrients and water. They rely on surrounding food sources, such as decaying plant matter and animal waste, for their nutrients. Mushrooms can also grow on various mediums, including wood, grain, and even insects.
When observing mushrooms in nature, take note of their habitat. Do they grow near specific types of trees or in particular soil conditions? Are they solitary or growing in clusters? Some mushrooms, like the aptly named "Old Man of the Woods," are often found in forests, as indicated by their name. Noting the specific details of their environment can provide valuable clues for identification.
Additionally, consider the growth patterns of the mushrooms. Mushrooms have a unique life cycle that consists of several stages: the spore phase, germ phase, hyphae phase, mycelium phase, and finally, the mushroom phase. Understanding these stages can help you identify mushrooms at different stages of development, as their appearance can vary significantly over time. For example, Amanita mushrooms have a distinctive "Amanita egg" structure before emerging into their recognisable mushroom form.
Joining local mushroom foraging clubs or seeking guidance from mycologists in your region can also provide valuable knowledge about the mushrooms specific to your area. They can help you identify unique growth patterns and habitats of different mushroom species, enhancing your ability to recognise and differentiate between various types of mushrooms in the wild.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to determine the type of mushroom. One of the most important features used to identify mushrooms is their spores. Some fungi have distinct spore colours, which can be seen by making a spore print. Another way is to look at the underside of the cap to determine if there are gills, ridges, teeth or a porous surface. Other characteristics to look out for are the size, colour and shape of the cap and stem, the presence of a veil, and the colour of the mushroom and its flesh.
Place the cap of a fresh mushroom on a sheet of paper and wait a couple of hours. This will produce a spore print, which can be used to determine the spore colour.
Yes, there are several online resources for mushroom identification, including the Mushroom Expert and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Fungi websites. There are also mobile applications such as Picture Mushroom, which can help identify numerous species of mushrooms.
It is important to exercise caution when identifying mushrooms as consuming the wrong type can be fatal. Joining local mushrooming groups or going on a foray with experienced mushroom hunters can help beginners learn about the different types of mushrooms and reduce the risk of misidentification. It is also recommended to get a good field guide and to only focus on a few mushrooms at a time when starting out.
