Michael Davis
Identifying mushrooms can be a challenging task, and it is important to note that there is much more to it than just colour and size. Several factors come into play when trying to determine the type of mushroom one has found. This includes examining the underside of the cap, where the fertile surface, known as the hymenial layer, is located. The gills on this surface can vary in shape and structure, and even the smallest details can be crucial for accurate identification. Additionally, the substrate, or the material from which the mushroom is growing, can provide valuable clues about its ecology. Spore colour is another important characteristic, and it can be determined by creating a spore print. Other distinguishing features include the presence of chemical reactions and microscopic characteristics. The habitat in which the mushroom was found can also provide valuable clues. While there are mushroom identification apps available, they may not always be completely accurate, and it is recommended to double-check with a professional or an expert from a local mushroom club.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Found on trees, logs, the forest floor, or on moss |
| Cap | White, tan, or brown |
| Gills | Tan or brown gills; avoid white gills |
| Stem | White, tan, or brown |
| Colour | Coral, pinkish with yellow blended, brown, red, blue, yellow, golden-yellow |
| Shape | Round, ball-shaped, column-like, tall, cap-shaped, fan-shaped, oyster-shaped, convex, bell-shaped, dry, scaly, brain-like, funnel-shaped, cup-shaped |
| Texture | Spongy, fleshy, porous, smooth, fibrous, scaly, dry |
| Smell | Some mushrooms have a strong smell |
| Taste | Some mushrooms are reportedly tasty |
| Bruising | Some mushrooms bruise reddish, then black |
| Spore print | Some mushrooms have white spore prints |
| Underside | Some mushrooms have a second cap or ring of tissue beneath the cap; some have pores or tooth-like projections instead of gills |
| Habitat | Grasslands, forests, disturbed areas, meadows, wooded areas, forest floor, trails, woodland edges |
| Surrounding objects | Trees (including conifers), stumps, logs, debris, moss, trails |
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What You'll Learn
Observe more than colour and size
Observing the colour and size of a mushroom is a good start to identifying it, but there are many other factors to consider. It is important to note that some mushrooms can change their appearance depending on growing conditions, so it is crucial to be cautious when foraging for mushrooms, as many poisonous and non-poisonous varieties look alike.
Physical characteristics
Take note of the mushroom's texture, size, and proportion. Look for thin fissures or cracks on the cap, or any signs of bruising or discolouration. Some mushrooms may have scales, spots, or patches on the cap, which can be indicative of certain species. The shape of the cap can also vary, from convex to vase-shaped to globe-shaped.
Location and habitat
Note the location where the mushroom was found, including the substrate, tree species, or other mushrooms nearby. Mushrooms can be found on trees, logs, the forest floor, or on moss. They may grow in clusters or individually, and their spacing can vary.
Season
The time of year when the mushroom appears can be a helpful clue. Some mushrooms, like porcinis, are typically ready to harvest in early fall at lower elevations and summer at higher elevations. Chanterelles, on the other hand, are often found in the fall to early spring.
Gills and pores
Examine the underside of the cap to look for gills or pores. Gills can be tan or brown for edible mushrooms, while white gills are often a sign of poisonous mushrooms, particularly the Amanita family. Some mushrooms, like the Old Man of the Woods, have a spongy layer of pores instead of gills.
Spore print
Take a spore sample by placing the mushroom gill-side down on a piece of paper and leaving it for a few hours. The colour of the spore print can be a helpful identification marker.
Remember, mushroom identification can be challenging and takes practice. Always exercise caution and never eat a mushroom unless you are 100% sure of its edibility.
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Note the substrate
When identifying a mushroom, noting the substrate it is growing on can be very helpful. The substrate is the material that the mushroom uses for energy, nutrition, and structure. It is the equivalent of soil for a plant. Mushrooms get all their nutrients from the substrate.
There are many different types of substrates, and different species of mushrooms prefer different substrates. Some common mushroom substrates are grain, straw, hardwood sawdust, manure, and compost. For example, a mushroom grower may use wheat straw bedding containing horse manure, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed hulls, poultry manure, brewer's grain, cottonseed meal, cocoa bean hulls, and gypsum. They may also add supplements, such as ground soybeans or seed meal, later in the production cycle.
The substrate needs to have the right amount of water, as mushroom bodies are made up of 70-90% water, which is entirely sourced from the substrate. The substrate should also have 1-2% nitrogen and a small amount of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and phosphorus. It should be slightly acidic, with a pH level of about 5–6.5.
Before use, the substrate should be pasteurized or sterilized to kill any pests or pathogens. Pasteurization involves submerging the substrate in boiling water for at least one or two hours, or soaking it in a bath of hydrated lime-treated cold water for 24 hours to increase the pH and kill contaminants. Sterilization involves exposing the substrate to temperatures higher than 250 degrees F, as well as pressure, to completely eliminate all living and dormant contaminants.
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Examine the underside of the cap
Examining the underside of a mushroom cap can provide crucial information for identification. This part of the mushroom is known as the veil and serves to protect the gills and lock in moisture until spores are ready to be released. The veil is typically white and spongy, but can also be off-white with brown bruising.
Some mushrooms have gills, which are plate-like blades, on their undersides, while others have pores, ridges, or a spongy surface. Gills can be white, pinkish-brown, or purple, and are often crowded together near the outer edges of the cap, very finely attached to the stem. The gills of the Jack O'Lantern mushroom, for example, end abruptly all at the same spot along the stem, while the folds of the Chanterelle mushroom run along the stem, ending unevenly.
Some mushrooms, such as the Old Man of the Woods, have a spongy layer of pores on the underside of the cap instead of gills. Tooth fungus is characterised by tooth-like projections on the underside of its cap, and cup fungi often have cup-shaped fruiting bodies.
The shape of the mushroom cap can also aid in identification. Common shapes include convex, cushion-shaped, egg-shaped, half-egg shaped, bullet-shaped, cone-shaped, and bell-shaped. The cap shape of the death cap mushroom, for instance, is typically flat with a diameter between 3-6 inches, while young death caps have a more rounded, bowl-shaped cap.
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Identify the mushroom's habitat
Mushrooms are sensitive to climate and weather changes and are found in a wide variety of habitats. They generally prosper in environments with sufficient moisture, mild temperatures, and elevated humidity. Rainy periods followed by a shift in temperature can be especially fruitful for mushroom growth, while overly arid or extreme temperature conditions might inhibit them.
Mushrooms are found almost everywhere, but not all mushrooms are found in all kinds of habitats. Forests and woodlands are common spots, but they also emerge in grasslands, meadows, bogs, marshes, sandy soils, and even challenging locales such as high-altitude regions, acidic wetlands, and dunes. Each habitat, with its distinct conditions, is home to particular mushroom species, catering to the specific requirements of each.
For example, mushrooms like puffballs, waxcaps, and some agarics are found in grasslands and meadows. Certain specialized mushrooms thrive in moist environments like bogs and marshes. Decaying logs and stumps are home to decomposer fungi like oysters and turkey tails. Leaf litter houses small decomposer fungi that break down fallen leaves. Dung is favoured by manure-loving species like certain Agaricus or Panaeolus species, and even some Psilocybe and Coprinus.
Some mushrooms are also found in urban areas, such as sidewalks, lawns, and parks in cities. Additionally, certain specialized fungi grow in sandy environments near the sea, like beaches and dunes. Mushrooms are also found in agricultural areas, fields, and gardens, where they may associate with cultivated plants or thrive in disturbed soils.
The substrate, or what the mushroom emerges from, also influences its health and nutritional content. Mushrooms that grow from fallen logs and branches include wood-decomposing varieties like Shiitake and Turkey Tail. Leaf litter is home to decomposers such as Mycena and Marasmius. Dung, as mentioned earlier, is favoured by manure-loving species. Dead roots are inhabited by root rot fungi, while standing dead trees (snags) host fungi like the Tinder Fungus or Artist’s Conk. Grasses and herbaceous plants are used as substrates by many saprobic and some parasitic fungi. Certain specialized fungi, like Sphagnum Moss in Bogs, prefer moist environments. Tree bark is a spot for many crust fungi and some polypores.
Additionally, some parasitic mushrooms like Asterophora lycoperdoides can grow on the decaying fruiting bodies of other fungi. Wild mushrooms that fruit on the ground and have a symbiotic relationship with nearby trees are referred to as mycorrhizal fungi. Certain species prefer certain trees, so consulting a local guidebook can be helpful. Some famous mycorrhizal mushrooms include all species of truffles, black trumpets, chanterelles, boletes, and the hedgehog mushroom.
It is important to note that mushrooms absorb toxins from their environment, so specimens growing in areas where chemicals are present may contain these toxins and should be avoided. Temperature, time of year, and light are also aspects of habitat to consider when identifying mushrooms. Many mushrooms fruit in early fall as the nights begin to cool, indicating a change in seasons.
Identifying mushrooms requires careful observation of their physical features, habitat, and growth patterns. Field guides, spore print materials, magnifying glasses, and cameras can aid in this process. It is crucial to assume that all mushrooms are poisonous until proper identification is made, as there is no single trait to distinguish edible from poisonous varieties.
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Use a mushroom identification app
Using a mushroom identification app can be a fun and informative way to learn about the mushrooms you find. There are several mushroom identification apps available for download, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here are some tips and suggestions for using a mushroom identification app effectively:
Choose a Reliable App
Select a well-reviewed and reputable mushroom identification app that is regularly updated and maintained. Some popular options include Roger's Mushrooms, FungusID, Fungitron, and ShroomID. These apps offer a variety of features, such as image identification, species databases, and filtering options.
Provide Detailed Images
When using a mushroom identification app, it is essential to provide clear and detailed images of the mushroom in question. Try to include multiple angles and perspectives of the mushroom, capturing key identifying features such as the cap, stem, gills, and pores. An ideal image for identification purposes would contain as many of these key parts as possible.
Compare with Similar Species
Mushroom identification apps typically provide a list of similar-looking species, which can help you narrow down your search. Compare the characteristics of the mushroom you found with those of the suggested species, paying attention to colour, size, shape, and any unique features. Some apps allow you to filter mushrooms based on visual appearance, making it easier to find potential matches.
Verify with Additional Sources
While mushroom identification apps can be a helpful tool, it is always a good idea to verify your findings with other sources. Cross-reference your results with field guides, books, or online databases to ensure accuracy. Mushroom identification can be complex, and sometimes, apps may not have the most up-to-date information or may miss certain species.
Learn the Basics of Mushroom Identification
Before relying solely on an app, it is beneficial to understand the basic principles of mushroom identification. Familiarize yourself with the key characteristics used to identify mushrooms, such as cap shape, gill colour, spore print, habitat, and bruising reactions. This knowledge will help you make more informed decisions when using the app and improve your overall mushroom identification skills.
Be Cautious with Edibility
If you are foraging for edible mushrooms, exercise extreme caution. Many poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms look alike, and misidentification can have serious consequences. Do not ingest a mushroom unless you are absolutely certain of its edibility. Some apps do provide information on edibility, but it is always recommended to cross-reference with multiple sources and expert opinions.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively use mushroom identification apps to learn more about the fungi you encounter. Remember to approach mushroom identification with curiosity and caution, and always prioritize accuracy and safety, especially when it comes to consuming foraged mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to leave the identification of wild, edible mushrooms to professional mycologists. However, if you want to identify the mushroom yourself, you should know that mushrooms with red mushrooms are typically dangerous to eat. Mushrooms in the Hypholoma genus typically have reddish-brown caps, but they are not edible.
Again, it's best to consult an expert. However, if you want to identify the mushroom yourself, you should know that mushrooms with tan or brown gills are usually edible. Porcini mushrooms, for example, have medium-sized tan or brown caps.
Mushrooms in the Morchella genus, also known as morels, are characterized by their honeycomb-like caps and hollow stems. However, it's important to consult an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
