Emma Wilson
Maple mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on maple trees. They are often found on sugar maples, which are prized by home gardeners for their dense canopies and sweet sap used to make maple syrup. Maple mushrooms can indicate an infection by decay fungi, which can seriously weaken or even kill the tree. These mushrooms are typically white, fleshy, and shelf-like, growing in clusters and feeding on decaying wood inside trees. While some maple mushrooms are edible, such as the white oyster mushroom, others are reported to have a bitter taste and may not be suitable for consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mushroom | Northern tooth fungus, P. squamosus, shelf fungus, sulfur fungus, Armillaria root rot, Laetiporus sulfureus, and shiitake mushrooms |
| Appearance | Large, white, fleshy, shelf-like, bright sulfur to orange or salmon-colored, white and brittle with age |
| Size | Between 8 and 12 inches wide, up to 2 feet from the ground, structure extending 1 foot wide and up to 30 inches long |
| Edibility | Some are edible, some are bitter and non-edible |
| Occurrence | On maple trees, especially sugar maple, and American elm |
| Cause | Indication of serious internal damage and decay in the tree, caused by infection through wounds and cracks |
| Treatment | No sprays or treatments are effective, the affected tree should be removed to prevent injury from falling limbs |
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What You'll Learn
Maple mushrooms are often a sign of decay
Maple mushrooms are a sign of decay and often indicate that the tree is already dead or dying. These mushrooms are caused by fungi that feed on decaying wood inside the maple tree. The appearance of maple mushrooms suggests that the decay is extensive, and the tree may need to be removed to prevent injury from falling limbs.
Maple mushrooms can be a result of various types of fungi, including the Northern tooth fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis) and the fungus Laetiporus sulfureus. These fungi infect sugar maples through wounds and cracks, causing a white spongy heart rot in the wood. The Northern tooth fungus, in particular, results in clusters of large, white, fleshy, shelf-like mushrooms that can extend up to 1 foot wide and 30 inches long.
Another type of fungus that affects maple trees is Armillaria root rot (Armillaria mellea), also known as shoestring root rot. This fungus infects the root systems of stressed trees and can lead to tree death if severe stresses occur after infection. Armillaria root rot causes decay in the roots, butts, and stems of the tree, reducing its wood strength.
The presence of maple mushrooms indicates that the tree has been suffering from internal damage for several years. While some species of maple mushrooms are edible, it is important to leave the harvesting to experts. If you notice mushrooms growing on your maple tree, it is recommended to have the tree examined by a professional arborist to assess its health and determine the appropriate course of action.
In summary, maple mushrooms are often a sign of decay and can lead to significant damage to the tree. It is important to monitor the health of maple trees and seek professional advice to ensure the safety of the surrounding environment and prevent further spread of the fungi.
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Some maple mushrooms are edible
Mushrooms that grow on maple trees are typically indicative of decay and are often referred to as shelf fungi. These mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi that feed on decaying wood inside the maple tree. They can cause extensive damage to the tree, including a disease called "heart rot", which ultimately results in the tree's death.
Despite their detrimental effects on maple trees, some maple mushrooms are indeed edible. Mycologist David Fischer notes that young, tender specimens of the P. squamosus mushroom, a parasite on hardwoods like sugar maple, are edible. This mushroom is also a saprobe, meaning it decomposes dead or dying trees, such as the American elm. While there is some debate over its taste, it is featured in a recipe for "pheasant's back jambalaya" in the book Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America.
Another potentially edible maple mushroom is the white oyster mushroom, which grows on maple trees. However, it is important to exercise caution when harvesting and consuming wild mushrooms, as proper identification is crucial to avoid ingesting toxic varieties. It is always advisable to consult a mushroom guide or expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
It is worth noting that the Northern Tooth Fungus, a common fungus found on maple trees, is not edible due to its bitter taste. Additionally, mushrooms like the Laetiporus sulfureus, which produces clusters of bright sulfur-colored mushrooms, and the Armillaria root rot fungus, which affects the roots and butts of sugar maples, should be avoided as they are destructive to the tree's health.
While some maple mushrooms are edible, it is essential to prioritize the health of the maple tree. If mushrooms are present, it indicates that the tree has already undergone significant internal decay. To prevent further damage and potential safety hazards, it is recommended to consult a professional arborist for guidance on removing the tree and addressing the fungal issue.
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Maple trees should be examined by an arborist
Mushrooms that grow on maple trees can be an indicator of serious decay within the tree. The appearance of mushrooms signifies that decay has already occurred, and the maple tree should be examined by an arborist to assess the overall health of the tree and determine if it needs to be removed to prevent injury from falling limbs.
Maple trees are susceptible to various types of fungi that can cause extensive damage and even death. One such fungus is the Northern tooth fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis), which infects sugar maples through wounds and cracks, resulting in white spongy heart rot. The fungus produces large, white, fleshy, shelf-like mushrooms that can extend up to 1 foot wide and 30 inches long. Another fungus, Laetiporus sulfureus, causes bright sulfur to orange or salmon-colored mushrooms to appear on infected sugar maples during the summer and early fall.
Sulfur fungus is another common issue for maple trees, causing decay in the roots, butts, and stems, leading to reduced wood strength. Armillaria root rot (Armillaria mellea), also known as shoestring root rot, is a destructive fungal disease that affects the roots and butts of sugar maples and other tree species. It establishes itself in the root systems of stressed trees, and severe stress after infection can lead to tree death.
In addition to these fungi, maple trees can also be affected by P. squamosus, a deadly parasite on hardwoods such as sugar maple. While it acts as a saprobe on the American elm, showing up after the tree has already died or is dying, it is parasitic on the sugar maple.
Given the potential for serious decay and the difficulty in removing fungal growth, it is recommended to have maple trees with mushroom growth examined by an arborist. The arborist can provide guidance on the health of the tree and recommend any necessary actions to prevent further damage or ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
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Mushrooms can be removed without harming the maple tree
Mushrooms that grow on maple trees are typically an indication of infection by decay fungi. This can significantly weaken the tree and result in its death. The presence of mushrooms on a maple tree means that extensive decay has already occurred, and the tree should be removed to prevent injury from falling limbs.
However, not all mushrooms are harmful to maple trees. Some mushrooms form beneficial connections with the tree's roots. Nevertheless, it is essential to identify the type of mushroom growing on the tree to determine its impact. For example, the Northern tooth fungus infects sugar maples through wounds and cracks, causing white spongy heart rot in the wood. Another example is Armillaria root rot, which infects the roots and butts of sugar maples and can lead to tree death if severe stresses occur after infection.
If you wish to remove mushrooms from a maple tree without harming it, there are a few options. One option is to cut or mow the mushrooms. This will not harm the tree and can help manage the mushroom growth. Another option is to remove and destroy infected plants, including the mushrooms, to prevent the fungus from spreading to other plants in your yard. In some cases, transplanting the tree may be an option if the infection is less severe. However, this is rare. Additionally, it is important to note that there are no chemicals that can be legally and safely applied in residential areas to kill the fungi.
It is always a good idea to have a certified arborist inspect your maple tree and nearby plants if you notice mushrooms growing on or near it. They can help identify the type of mushroom and provide guidance on the best course of action to protect your tree and the surrounding plants.
In summary, mushrooms that grow on maple trees can be an indication of infection, and removing them will not harm the tree. However, it is essential to identify the mushroom type and seek expert advice to ensure the tree's health and prevent further damage or infection.
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Red maple can be used for mushroom cultivation
Red maple can indeed be used for mushroom cultivation. In fact, red maple is listed as a tree species suitable for mushroom cultivation in Stamet's Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms.
Red maple logs are often used for the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms. However, red maple logs have a higher rate of contamination than other wood types like oak. This may be due to the diffuse-porous structure of red maple wood compared to the ring-porous nature of oak. It is important to let red maple logs age for a minimum of two weeks before inoculation to allow for cellular dieback and the dampening of the log's defence system against fungal invasion. However, red maple logs tend to stay alive after they are cut and may continue to pump out anti-fungal compounds, so they often need extra aging time.
One study found that only 8% of red maple logs managed at FFP and 38% of logs managed at MDF met the commercial standard yield of 1.0-2.5 lbs (454-1135g) per log from the first three fruitings. However, the study also identified variables that influenced shiitake success on red maple, including log parameters (such as coarse bark and a diameter of >14cm) and allowing sufficient rest time between felling and inoculation. By selecting logs with these characteristics and controlling for competing fungal diseases, red maple logs can produce yields comparable to other wood types.
Red maple logs have several advantages over standard wood species for mushroom cultivation, including lower cost per log, increased availability and abundance, faster stand regeneration after wood harvest, and greater public willingness to harvest due to their weedy nature. Therefore, red maple can be a good option for beginning farmers or those looking for a low-cost, readily available wood source for mushroom cultivation.
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Frequently asked questions
Maple mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on maple trees, often appearing as shelf-like clusters. They are caused by various fungi, including Northern tooth fungus and sulphur fungus, and indicate decay in the tree.
Maple mushrooms themselves are not dangerous, but they signify serious internal damage to the tree. The fungi that cause maple mushrooms feed on decaying wood, and their presence means the tree has extensive rot and should be removed to prevent injury from falling limbs.
There is some debate about the edibility of maple mushrooms. While some sources claim that young, tender specimens are edible, others state that they have a bitter taste and are not suitable for consumption. It is important to leave the harvesting of any wild mushrooms to experts.
There is no spray or treatment that can effectively kill or impede the growth of maple mushrooms. The best course of action is to have the tree examined by a professional arborist, who can assess the overall health of the tree and provide guidance on next steps.
Yes, maple trees, particularly red maple, can be used for mushroom cultivation. Red maple stumps can serve as a substrate for certain mushroom varieties, such as Shiitake mushrooms. However, the profitability of using red maple for mushroom growing has been variable.
