John Miller
Identifying mushrooms is a complex process that requires a keen eye for detail. While colour and size are two of the most obvious characteristics, there are several other factors to consider. For instance, the shape of the cap, the presence or absence of gills, and the type of substrate the mushroom grows on can all be important identifiers. Some mushrooms even display a chemical reaction when exposed to certain substances. Additionally, creating a spore print by laying the cap on a sheet of paper can help determine spore colour, which is a key trait used in field guides. While there are apps and online resources available to aid in mushroom identification, they may not always be reliable, and it is important to seek expert advice before consuming any foraged mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | 3 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches tall |
| Cap colour | Solid brown |
| Underside of the cap | Pores, gills or teeth |
| Stem | Presence or absence of a veil |
| Flesh | Changes colour after being bruised |
| Spore colour | Distinctively coloured |
| Smell | Some fungi have a distinctive odour |
| Growth | Some fungi grow on decaying wood or on certain trees |
| Colour change | Some mushrooms change colour when specific chemicals are applied |
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What You'll Learn
Look beyond colour and size
Identifying mushrooms goes beyond their colour and size. There are many factors to consider, and it takes practice to identify mushrooms accurately.
One crucial factor is the mushroom's physical characteristics, including its texture, shape, and proportion. For instance, the caps of Agrocybe mushrooms can be convex, bell-shaped, or nearly flat, while the caps of Pholiota mushrooms are often covered in scales or fibres. The shape of the mushroom can also provide clues about its edibility. Edible mushrooms usually have tan, brown, or white caps and stems, while those with red caps and stems are typically avoided. Additionally, edible mushrooms typically have brown or tan gills, while those with white gills are often deadly.
The presence or absence of certain features can also aid in identification. Mushrooms with a ring or partial veil around the stem, or a second veil-like ring of tissue beneath the cap, should be avoided as many of them are poisonous. The presence of gills or pores can also be indicative. For example, the Old Man of the Woods mushroom lacks gills but has a spongy layer of pores on the underside of the cap, while the Chanterelle mushroom has "false gills," which are wrinkled folds.
The location and habitat of the mushroom are also important considerations. For instance, Kuehneromyces mushrooms often grow on tree stumps, while Melanoleuca mushrooms are commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and wooded areas. Knowing the season and the types of trees or other mushrooms nearby can also help with identification.
Making spore prints and observing their colour can be a very useful identification technique. However, it is important to note that this method relies solely on knowing the colour of the spore print, and even with this knowledge, there is still a significant chance of misidentification, especially for beginners.
It is always recommended to consult expert sources and cross-reference multiple guides or pictures when identifying mushrooms, as many poisonous and non-poisonous varieties look alike, and factors such as growing conditions and age can significantly impact their appearance.
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Observe the substrate
Observing the substrate is a crucial step in identifying mushrooms. The substrate refers to the surface or material on which the mushroom is growing. Mushrooms can grow on various substrates, including soil, decaying wood, or even living trees. Therefore, examining the substrate can provide valuable clues about the mushroom's identity.
When observing the substrate, it is important to note the type of material the mushroom is growing on. For example, some mushrooms have mycorrhizal associations with particular tree species, while others may prefer decaying logs or other organic matter. The type of tree or plant nearby can also be a helpful indicator. For instance, certain mushrooms only fruit on or near specific trees or plants, so knowing your tree types, such as hardwood versus conifer, and specific species can be beneficial.
In addition to the type of substrate, take note of any distinctive features or characteristics of the growth environment. This includes factors such as moisture content, sunlight exposure, and the presence of other plants or fungi in the vicinity. These environmental factors can influence the types of mushrooms that are likely to grow in a particular location.
Another important aspect of observing the substrate is to examine the pattern of growth. Mushrooms can grow in clusters, rings, or individually. Noting the arrangement and density of the mushrooms on the substrate can provide additional information for identification.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider the impact of human activity on the substrate. For example, if the mushrooms are growing in a landscaped area or a garden, the substrate may have been intentionally modified, which could influence the types of mushrooms present. Similarly, the use of pesticides or fertilizers in the area may also affect the types of mushrooms that grow there.
By carefully observing the substrate and considering factors such as the type of material, environmental characteristics, growth patterns, and human influences, you can gather valuable information that will aid in accurately identifying the mushroom species. Remember, the substrate provides crucial contextual clues that, when combined with other identification methods, can enhance your understanding of the mushroom's identity and ecological preferences.
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Examine the underside of the cap
The underside of a mushroom's cap is often where you'll find the fertile surface where spores are formed, called the hymenial layer. This can take the form of gills, pores, ridges, or teeth.
Gills are thin sheets of tissue suspended in a spokelike arrangement from the underside of many capped mushrooms. They can be crowded, widely spaced, forked, or have short gills unconnected to longer gills. They can be crinkled, crisped, sawtoothed, serrated, fringed, or ornamented with tiny bumps or droplets. The edges might be a different colour than the faces; these are known as marginate gills. Small folds, or "crossveins", sometimes run across the underside of the cap, connecting adjacent gills. The gills can vary in the way that they are attached to the stalk, which can also guide you to a more clear identification. For example, attached, notched, decurrent, strongly decurrent, and free. Some mushrooms look like they have gills, but they are actually ridges (false gills). Mushrooms with white gills can be poisonous, so be cautious. Mushrooms with tan or brown gills are typically edible.
Pores are another common feature on the underside of mushroom caps. These are small holes, like the holes in sponges. Some mushrooms have teeth hanging under the cap, or appear like branches. For instance, the cauliflower mushroom.
To identify mushrooms, it can be helpful to create a spore print. To do this, lay the cap of a fresh mushroom on a sheet of paper and wait a couple of hours. The spores will fall onto the paper, creating a spore print. The spore colour is an important trait to note, as many field guides are organised by spore colour.
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Identify the mushroom's life cycle stage
Mushrooms are fungi, not plants, and they produce and release spores from the gills underneath their caps. These spores are like seeds, containing genetic material. Mushrooms release spores into the environment, and these spores are distributed by insects, rain, and wind. When spores land on a favourable substrate or growth medium, they germinate and sprout, becoming hyphae. Hyphae are thread-like fibres that branch out and form a tangled mat, releasing chemicals to dissolve food. This process is called mitosis.
The hyphae of one spore meet and combine with the hyphae of another spore, forming a hyphal knot, which marks the beginning of the mushroom's body. This is the first visible stage of the mushroom's development. The hyphal knot then grows into a primordium, which is a tiny dot that eventually produces a pinhead or baby mushroom. Not all pins from the mycelium colony will grow, but those that do will become full-grown mushrooms.
The mycelium is the main body of the fungus and can be thought of as the roots of a plant. It grows in multiple directions, seeking food to digest and decomposing organic matter to absorb nutrients. The mycelium acts as the mushroom's immune system, producing protective compounds and enzymes to repel competitors and predators.
The duration of the mushroom life cycle varies depending on the size and environment of the mushroom. Some mushrooms complete their life cycle in just one day, while others may take a week or even a month. Mushrooms in moist environments will grow more steadily than those in dry conditions.
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Use a guidebook or app
While there are several mushroom identification apps available, many experts recommend using a guidebook instead. Apps such as iNaturalist, Fungitron, and Mushrooms can help identify mushrooms by narrowing them down to genus or family based on features like cap colour, gills/pores, size, etc. However, they may not be reliable for identifying mushrooms accurately, especially for consumption.
Using a guidebook like Mushrooms Demystified by David Aurora is a more comprehensive approach. It offers detailed information on over 2000 species, numerous helpful pictures, and is organized as a dichotomous key, making it an excellent tool for identification beyond picture comparison. The Mushroom Guide and Identifier: The Ultimate Guide to Identifying, Picking, and Using Mushrooms by Peter Jordan and Neville Kilkenny is another popular guidebook with clear pictures, illustrations, and descriptions, making it a good option for beginners.
If you are unsure about using a guidebook, online communities like Facebook groups, subreddits like r/mycology, and local mycology associations can provide hands-on experience with other mushroom enthusiasts and experts. These communities offer guidance, identification tips, and advice on distinguishing features to help you improve your mushroom identification skills.
While apps and guidebooks are helpful, it's important to remember that mushroom identification is a complex task. Experience and careful practice over many years are the best ways to become proficient at identifying mushrooms accurately and differentiating between edible and toxic varieties.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you leave mushroom identification to professional mycologists. However, if you still want to identify mushrooms, you should exercise caution. Observe the appearance of mushrooms in your area and learn from reliable sources. You can also connect with a mushroom expert through a local mycological group or university.
Note the substrate, or the material that the mushroom is growing from. This can help you understand its ecology. You can also produce a spore print by laying the cap of a fresh mushroom on a sheet of paper and waiting a few hours. The underside of the cap is often where spores are formed, and you can identify mushrooms by the colour, shape and texture of their gills.
Some mushrooms you may come across include Old Man of the Woods, Chanterelle, Northern Tooth Russula and Honey Fungus. You may also find Porcini mushrooms, which have tan or brown caps and thick bulbous stems, near spruces, firs and pines. Chanterelles have a small cap with a concave centre and are yellow to golden-yellow in colour.
While no apps are 100% reliable for identifying mushrooms, iNaturalist is relatively good at narrowing things down to genus or family. You can also post pictures on Facebook groups or subreddits like r/Mycology, where folks may be able to help you.
