Michael Davis
Mushroom season is a highly variable concept, depending on the type of mushroom, the weather, and the location. For example, Oyster mushrooms are usually found in fall, spring, and even winter, whereas Morels are among the first to appear in spring. Chanterelle mushrooms tend to appear in late spring, summer, and early fall, and Chicken of the Woods can be found from late spring through fall. The best mushroom hunters learn the exact mushroom foraging season for their region, microclimates, specific patches, and mushroom types.
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What You'll Learn
Morels are among the first mushrooms to appear in spring
Morels begin to grow each spring when ground temperatures reach 53 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be found in many habitats, but they are more likely to fruit during a period of increasing heat following a cold period. They are also associated with moist, slightly cool conditions and tend to appear after several spring rainstorms. They can be found near south-facing and west-facing slopes, which catch the most sunlight and warm up faster than shaded areas. Later in the season, they can be found near east-facing slopes and north slopes, which get less sunlight.
Morels are often found near certain types of trees, such as elm, cottonwood, apple, and maple trees. In western North America, they are often found in coniferous forests, while in the northern hemisphere, they are associated with deciduous trees such as ash, sycamore, and tulip trees. They are also commonly found in areas that have been disturbed by logging or burning.
Hunting for morels is a popular springtime activity, and there are even festivals and competitions dedicated to it, such as the National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, Michigan, and the Illinois State Morel Mushroom Hunting Championship. Morel hunters use various techniques to find these elusive mushrooms, such as studying the ground temperature and weather conditions, carrying photos of morels on their cell phones, and learning to identify the trees and habitats associated with them.
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Oyster mushrooms fruit before morels, but in smaller quantities
The fruiting patterns of oyster mushrooms and morels vary depending on their environment. Oyster mushrooms can fruit as early as mid-May in Minnesota and Wisconsin, coinciding with morels. However, in other regions, oyster mushrooms may fruit before morels. This is because oyster mushrooms grow on dead and decaying wood, particularly favouring elm trees, whereas morels are associated with dying trees.
Oyster mushrooms are known for their rapid growth, with kits producing mushrooms in as little as 10 to 20 days. They thrive in high-nutrient substrates, warm temperatures above 20°C, and humid environments. Oyster mushrooms also require reading-level light, unlike button mushrooms, which prefer darkness.
On the other hand, morels are associated with dying trees, such as ash and elm trees. They can also be found in disturbed, dying, and dead trees affected by diseases like Dutch Elm Disease. While morels can be abundant in these habitats, their numbers may decrease as the disease moves past its epicenter.
The quantity of oyster mushrooms and morels can vary depending on their specific habitats and environmental conditions. Oyster mushrooms often grow in massive quantities, with trees producing many fruiting bodies. However, in some cases, they may fruit in smaller amounts compared to morels, especially if their preferred habitat is limited or if they are outcompeted by other mushroom species.
In summary, while oyster mushrooms can fruit before morels in certain regions due to their preference for dead and decaying wood, their fruiting patterns can overlap in areas like Minnesota and Wisconsin. The quantity of fruiting bodies can vary for both oyster mushrooms and morels, depending on the specific environmental conditions and the presence of competing mushroom species.
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Chanterelles thrive in wet, humid, rainy weather
Chanterelles are mycorrhizal mushrooms, which means they develop relationships with certain types of trees. They are often found in mixed hardwood forests near oaks, maple, beech, poplar, birch, and blueberry bushes. They can also be found in mountainous areas near white pine and Douglas fir. Chanterelles thrive in moist habitats, particularly along creek beds and areas with water flow after rainfall.
Chanterelle season in the US typically begins in early June in the southern regions along the Gulf Coast, with northern regions sometimes experiencing a later start to the season. Chanterelle growth is heavily dependent on rainfall, and they often appear a few days after heavy rainfall in hot and humid weather. In some regions, such as West Scotland, chanterelles thrive in mild and damp summers, with an abundance of rainfall contributing to their growth.
The growth pattern of chanterelles differs from that of most other mushrooms. While other mushrooms grow rapidly and produce spores within a short period, chanterelles grow more slowly, persisting for an average of 44 days and continuously releasing spores over a more extended period. This slow growth and spore release make chanterelles less likely to reach and colonize new locations, even though harvesting them does not appear to affect future mushroom production.
Chanterelles are relatively easy to identify, and they do not have any deadly look-alikes. However, it is always important to properly identify any mushroom before consuming it. When foraging for chanterelles, it is recommended to carry field guides to ensure accurate identification. Additionally, it is advisable to leave behind smaller chanterelles and check the same area again after a week or so, as a period of rain can result in larger chanterelles.
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Chicken of the Woods is a prized mushroom with a long season
While it is hard to pinpoint an exact date or month for mushroom season, it is generally agreed that the best time for mushroom hunting is after a period of rain or during the hottest part of the year. Mushrooms thrive in moist and humid conditions, so a rainy summer month can be a great time to find them.
Chicken of the Woods is a unique and prized mushroom with an extended growing season. It is a common summertime sight, particularly in the woods, and can be found from spring through to fall. This mushroom is celebrated for its distinctive appearance and meaty texture and flavour, which lends itself well to vegetarian and vegan dishes as a meat substitute.
Chicken of the Woods is an easy-to-identify mushroom, growing on the sides of trees in multiple overlapping layers, resembling small shelves or roof shingles. Its fan-shaped form can range from 2 to 10 inches in diameter, and its colour can vary from pale yellow to orange, sometimes fading to a pale shade of white as it matures.
This mushroom is a popular choice for foragers due to its long season and versatility in cooking. It can be blanched, fried, sautéed, or baked, and used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, sandwiches, soups, and stews. When preparing Chicken of the Woods, it is important to thoroughly clean and cook the mushroom to avoid any adverse reactions or stomach upsets.
Chicken of the Woods is a prolific mushroom, and once a patch is found, it will continue to grow in the same spot year after year, providing a reliable source of this unique and tasty fungus.
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Maitake mushrooms are coveted and can be found at the start of autumn
Mushroom season depends on various factors, including the species, the climate, and the amount of rain. For instance, some mushrooms thrive in mature forests with more biodiversity, while others prefer the compacted soil found alongside trails.
Maitake mushrooms, also known as Grifola frondosa, hen of the woods, sheepshead mushroom, and signorina, are a type of fungus that can be found from late summer through fall. These mushrooms are native to Japan, where they are highly valued for their culinary and medicinal benefits. In Japanese, "maitake" means "dancing mushroom," reflecting the joy that people feel when they find these prized fungi.
Maitake mushrooms are coveted for their rich, earthy umami flavor and texture, which can rival meat. They have a long history of use in Japanese cuisine and culture, with legends claiming that perfect specimens could be worth their weight in silver. Today, they can be purchased at Asian grocers or farmers' markets, but they are also sought-after by foragers who hunt for them in the wild during the autumn months.
The start of autumn marks the ideal time to find maitake mushrooms, which grow at the base of trees. Foragers should keep their eyes peeled for mushrooms that resemble a roosting bird, as this is a key identifying feature of maitake. Additionally, these mushrooms are parasitic and infect living or injured trees, causing butt-rot in the host.
To preserve maitake mushrooms, they can be pickled, frozen, dried, or powdered. Freezing is a particularly good option, and unlike other mushrooms, maitake can be frozen raw or cooked.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom foraging season depends on the type of mushroom and its location. Morels, for example, usually fruit in the spring, whereas chanterelles prefer wet, humid, rainy weather, so they are likely to occur in late spring, summer, and early fall. The weather will also factor in as mushroom foraging season is highly dependent on Mother Nature.
Mushrooms can be found in several places, including gardens, grassy verges, hedgerows, and even on thatched roofs or breaking through pavements! If you're looking for oyster mushrooms, specifically, you should look along tree trunks and on rotting logs, as they usually grow vertically in clumps in these locations. If you're looking for Maitake mushrooms, you should head to forests at the start of autumn.
Identifying mushrooms can be tricky and even dangerous, as some mushrooms are poisonous or even deadly. It is recommended to join a wild mushroom hunting course or group to learn how to identify mushrooms. A mushroom book can also be very handy as a reference when hunting and taking prints.
