Michael Davis
Identifying mushrooms is a challenging task that requires a keen eye for detail. While colour and size are two important factors to consider, there are several other characteristics that can help distinguish one mushroom from another. These include the presence or absence of gills, the shape and texture of the cap, the structure of the stem, and the type of substrate the mushroom is growing from. Additionally, some mushrooms exhibit unique chemical reactions when exposed to certain substances, while others are identified by their microscopic features. With practice, one can learn to identify mushrooms accurately, but it is always recommended to seek expert advice before consuming any foraged mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cap | Vase-shaped, funnel-shaped, conical, bell-shaped, flat, fibrous, smooth, waxy, blunt forked ridges, scales, tough, dry |
| Stem | Thin, long, fibrous, smooth, no stem, no bulb, no ring, no partial veil, equal width throughout, stout appearance, hanging teeth |
| Gills | False gills, Y-shaped, full-length, partial, purple, white, creamy, greenish, pink, dark brown |
| Habitat | Soil, living trees, rotting wood, grass, wood chips, dung, garden mulch, debris, dying maple tree |
| Smell/Taste | Slightly fruity/flowery |
| Spore colour | White, green, pink, brown, black |
| Other | Liquid exudation when damaged, brittle flesh, chemical reaction when exposed to certain substances, microscopic characteristics |
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What You'll Learn
Observe colour, size, gills/spores, and shape
Mushroom identification is a complex process that requires keen observation and practice. While there are many factors to consider when identifying mushrooms, colour, size, gills/spores, and shape are crucial characteristics to examine.
Colour
The colour of a mushroom's cap and stem can vary widely and is an important feature for identification. Mushroom caps can range from shades of white, beige, brown, yellow-brown, tan, reddish-brown, purple, yellow, red, golden yellow, grey, or black. Some mushrooms may have dry caps, while others can become viscid or glutinous when damp. Additionally, the colour of the gills and spores can provide valuable information. Gills may be white, creamy, greenish, pink, reddish-brown, brown, purple, or black. Spore prints can also vary in colour, with common colours including white, brown, pink, red, or green.
Size
Mushrooms come in various sizes, from very small to large. Size can refer to the overall dimensions of the mushroom or the specific features like the cap, stem, or gills. Small to medium-sized mushrooms, such as those in the Agrocybe and Psathyrella groups, often have thin, fragile caps and slender stems. In contrast, larger mushrooms, like those in the Stropharia and Melanoleuca genera, may have broader caps and more substantial stems.
Gills/Spores
The gills of a mushroom are the thin, blade-like structures found underneath the cap. They can vary in colour, spacing, and attachment to the stem. Some mushrooms have gills that are attached to the stem, while others have free-standing gills. The gills may be crowded together or spaced broadly. The colour of the gills can provide important clues, as certain colours are associated with specific mushroom species. For example, greenish gills often indicate the presence of greenish spores, while pink gills may mature from pink spores. Spore prints, which can be obtained by placing the gills on paper, are essential for identifying certain mushrooms, such as honey fungus, which has a distinctive white spore print.
Shape
The shape of the cap and stem also plays a role in mushroom identification. Caps can be convex, bell-shaped, flat, or vase-shaped, with some species having distinct central umbos. The caps may be smooth, scaly, or fibrous, and they can become sticky or viscid in certain conditions. Stems can vary from long and thin to stout and fibrous. Some mushrooms have stems that are attached to the gills, while others have lateral or nearly absent stems. The presence of rings or partial veils on the stem, as well as the overall shape and structure of the mushroom, are important considerations for identification.
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Examine the underside of the cap
When identifying mushrooms, it is important to examine the underside of the cap. This is often where you will find the fertile surface where spores are formed, called the hymenial layer.
The underside of the cap may have gills, pores, ridges, or a spongy surface. Gills can be grey, brown, or white, and may be attached to the stem, notched, decurrent, strongly decurrent, or free. Some mushrooms have false gills, which are wrinkled folds. The gills can also vary in how they are spaced, ranging from crowded to widely spaced. They can be forked or have short gills unconnected to longer gills. The edges of the gills might be a different colour from the faces, and these are called marginate gills. Small folds or "crossveins" can sometimes be seen running across the underside of the cap, connecting adjacent gills.
Some mushrooms have teeth or spines hanging from the underside of the cap, instead of gills. These are known as tooth fungi.
To determine the colour of the spores, you can produce what is called a spore print by laying the cap of a fresh mushroom on a sheet of paper and waiting a couple of hours.
The underside of the cap can also provide other important details that are key to mushroom identification. For example, some mushrooms have a ring on the stem, which is a veil-like ring of tissue beneath the cap, and this feature is often associated with poisonous mushrooms.
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Note the substrate or material it's growing from
When identifying mushrooms in the wild, it is important to note the substrate, or the material that the fungus is growing from. This can help you understand its ecology and get closer to an identification. Different types of mushrooms prefer to grow on different substrates, and some fungi only grow in soil, some on living trees, and some on rotting wood.
For example, mushrooms in the Pleurotus genus, often called "oyster mushrooms", are characterized by their broad, fan-shaped or oyster-shaped caps and they grow on wood or debris. Kuehneromyces, on the other hand, are often found on tree stumps as they obtain nutrients from decomposing organic matter. Meanwhile, mushrooms in the Tapinella genus prefer to grow on dead or decaying trees.
There are a wide range of materials that can be used as a substrate to grow mushrooms. Some of the most common substrates include straw, logs, coffee grounds, corn stalks, and sawdust. Straw is an inexpensive and effective option, and it can be pasteurized by submerging it in 160-degree F water for one hour. Coffee grounds are also a good option as they are often available for free from local coffee shops, and the brewing process pasteurizes them. Sawdust is a common substrate for commercial cultivators, and it works well with a variety of mushrooms, but it is important to use hardwoods and ensure the dust isn't too fine so that the mycelium can get enough air.
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Look for chemical reactions to other substances
While identifying mushrooms, it is important to look for their chemical reactions to other substances. Some mushrooms display a chemical reaction when exposed to certain substances, helping us to identify them.
One of the most useful tests is Melzer's reagent, which can be used to determine the variety of some fungi. A couple of drops of the reagent are placed on the mushroom's flesh. For example, Boletus spadiceus gives a fleeting blue to blue-green reaction.
Another commonly used substance is iron salts, which are often used to identify Russula and Bolete mushrooms. It is best to dissolve the salts in water (typically a 10% solution) and then apply it to the flesh, but sometimes the dry salts can be applied directly to observe a colour change. For instance, the white flesh of Boletus chrysenteron stains lemon-yellow or olive. There are three expected results with the iron salts test: no change indicates a negative reaction; a colour change to olive, green, or blackish green; or a colour change to reddish-pink.
Additionally, a 3-10% solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) can cause a colour change in some mushroom species. For example, in Agaricus, some species such as A. xanthodermus turn yellow with KOH, while many others show no reaction, and A. subrutilescens turns green. Certain species of Cortinarius and Boletes also exhibit distinctive changes. Schaeffer's test, developed by Julius Schäffer, uses the reaction of aniline and nitric acid on the surface of the mushroom and is characteristic of species in the section Flavescentes.
Furthermore, some mushrooms bruise blue when handled or damaged due to the oxidation of phenolic compounds. However, this reaction is not a definitive method of identification or determining a mushroom's potency.
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Consult a guidebook or expert for a second opinion
While online resources and your own observations can be a great starting point for identifying mushrooms, it's always a good idea to consult a guidebook or expert for a second opinion. Guidebooks can provide detailed information and illustrations that can help you confirm the identity of a mushroom. Look for guidebooks that are highly rated and specific to your region, as mushroom varieties can differ depending on where you live. Some popular guidebook options include "The Mushroom Guide & Identifier: An Expert Manual for Identifying, Picking and Using Edible Wild Mushrooms Found in Britain" by Peter Jordan, "Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada" by David L. Spahr, and "The Complete Mushroom Hunter, Revised: Illustrated Guide to Foraging, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms". These books offer clear pictures and descriptions, making them useful tools for beginners and experienced mushroom enthusiasts alike.
In addition to guidebooks, seeking the expertise of mycologists or local mushroom foraging clubs can be invaluable. These experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience in mushroom identification. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and help confirm whether your findings are accurate. Knoxville and Vanderbilt, for example, are known to have world-class mycologists and mycological herbariums, offering a great opportunity for in-depth mushroom identification assistance.
Online forums and communities can also be a good source of second opinions. Reddit's r/mycology subreddit, for instance, is dedicated to discussing all things mushrooms, including identification. Here, you can post your mushroom observations and descriptions, and the community can offer their insights and expertise to help narrow down the possibilities.
Additionally, some websites and algorithms, such as iNaturalist, can be relatively good at identifying mushrooms based on your observations. However, it's important to approach these tools with caution, as they may not always be accurate. Using multiple sources and cross-referencing information is always a good idea.
Remember, mushroom identification can be challenging, and it's important to be cautious. Never consume a mushroom based solely on online information or a brief description. Always seek multiple sources of identification and, if in doubt, leave the mushroom alone. By combining your own observations with the knowledge from guidebooks and experts, you can improve your mushroom identification skills and make more informed decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
It is challenging to identify mushrooms in the wild, and it is recommended to leave this to professional mycologists. However, if you want to identify mushrooms, you can start by observing their physical characteristics, such as the size, colour, and shape of the cap and stem, and whether they have pores, gills, or teeth on the underside of the cap. You can also examine the colour of the mushroom's flesh and spores, and whether the flesh changes colour when bruised. Additionally, some mushrooms have a distinct odour that can help with identification.
There are several online tools and resources that can assist with mushroom identification. The iNaturalist algorithm can help narrow down the identification to the genus or family level. Websites like Mushroom Expert and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Fungi website provide colour photos of fungi for reference. You can also join online communities like the r/mycology subreddit or local Facebook groups dedicated to mushroom identification.
Identifying edible mushrooms requires extreme caution as many poisonous and non-poisonous varieties look alike. Some general guidelines include choosing mushrooms with brown or tan gills and avoiding those with white gills, which are often deadly. Also, avoid mushrooms with a ring around the stem, a bulbous base, or scales on the cap. When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable expert through a local mycological group or university. Do not ingest a mushroom unless you are 100% sure it is edible.
