Emma Wilson
Identifying mushrooms is a complex task that requires a keen eye for detail. While colour and size are two important factors, there are several other characteristics to observe. For instance, the shape of the cap, the presence or absence of gills or teeth, the colour of the spores, and the type of substrate the mushroom is growing on can all be crucial in determining the species of a mushroom. Additionally, some mushrooms exhibit unique chemical reactions when exposed to certain substances, while others are distinguished by microscopic features. With so many varieties of mushrooms, it can be challenging to identify them accurately, and it is always recommended to seek expert advice before consuming any wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cylindrical, conical, convex |
| Colour | White, cream, yellow, purple, black, pink, purple-brown |
| Smell | Aniseed, musky, pungent |
| Taste | Fear of touching mushrooms among new mycologists |
| Gills | Absent in some species, white gills in others |
| Cap | Distinct from stem, woolly scales on top, convex, vase-shaped |
| Stem | Absent in some species, fibrous, no ring or partial veil, equal width throughout |
| Spore print | White, greenish, cream |
| Habitat | Soil, living trees, rotting wood, maple trees, mixed hardwood forest |
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What You'll Learn
Observe the mushroom's colour, size, and shape
When observing a mushroom, it is important to pay attention to its colour, size, and shape. These characteristics can be crucial in identifying the mushroom and determining whether it is edible or poisonous.
Colour
The colour of the mushroom's cap, gills, and stem can provide important clues about its identity. Mushrooms can come in a variety of colours, including white, beige, brown, tan, yellow, red, purple, and golden-yellow. Edible mushrooms typically have brown or tan gills, while those with white gills, like the deadly Amanita family, should be avoided. Additionally, red mushrooms often use their colour as a natural warning sign, indicating that they are poisonous.
Size
Mushrooms can vary in size, ranging from very small to large. Some mushrooms, like those in the Melanoleuca genus, can be medium to large-sized, while others, like the Kuehneromyces genus, are small to medium-sized. Size can also refer to the proportion of different parts of the mushroom, such as the thickness of the stem or the diameter of the cap.
Shape
The shape of the mushroom's cap and stem can also be indicative of its type. Caps can be smooth, flat, convex, bell-shaped, or irregularly shaped. Some mushrooms, like the Lycoperdon, Calvatia, and Bovista genuses, have round, ball-shaped fruiting bodies. The stems can be central, lateral, or almost absent, and they may be slender, thick, or bulbous. The gills, which are found under the cap, can vary in shape and colour, and some mushrooms may have false gills or spines instead.
It is important to note that mushroom identification can be challenging, and it requires careful observation and research. Taking pictures from different angles, uploading them to identification platforms, and seeking expert advice can aid in the identification process. Additionally, factors such as location, substrate, and season can also play a role in identifying mushroom species.
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Examine the underside of the cap for gills or teeth
When examining the underside of a mushroom cap, you may find gills, pores, ridges, or teeth. These structures are important for identifying mushrooms, as many species look similar based on the appearance of their caps. In fact, the underside of a mushroom may be the only way to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties.
Gills are thin, papery structures that hang vertically under the cap. They are also known as lamellae and are used by mushrooms to produce and disperse spores. The gills can be attached to the stem in various ways, including being strongly attached, notched, decurrent, or free. They can also vary in terms of spacing, with some gills being crowded and others widely spaced. Additionally, gills can be forked or have short gills unconnected to longer gills. Some gills may even weep a milky liquid, known as latex.
False gills are structures that appear to be gills but are actually folds, wrinkles, or veins. The edible chanterelle mushroom has false gills, which can be distinguished from true gills by the fact that they are not separate features that can be picked off. Instead, they appear as melted folds on the underside of the mushroom.
Teeth, also known as spines, are long, thin, shaggy growths hanging from the mushroom cap. They can be a few millimetres to a few centimetres long. Some mushrooms with teeth include the hedgehog mushroom, coral tooth mushrooms, and lion's mane mushrooms.
Other structures that may be found on the underside of mushroom caps include pores and ridges. Pores are found on mushrooms such as polypores and boletes, which produce spores inside hollow tubes and expel them through these pores. Ridges are blunt, forked structures that run down the stem and cannot be easily separated from the cap.
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Identify the mushroom's habitat, substrate, and colour of the spore print
To identify a mushroom's habitat, it is important to observe the surrounding environment, including the types of trees, soil composition, and other factors. Mushrooms often have a symbiotic relationship with nearby trees, known as mycorrhizal fungi, where the fungus extends the tree's roots, allowing it to access more water and nutrients. Therefore, knowing the types of trees in the area can aid in identifying the mushroom. Additionally, certain species of mushrooms fruit in areas where the ground has been disturbed, such as after a forest fire or near washes. Temperature, time of year, and light conditions can also impact mushroom habitat, as many mushrooms fruit in early fall when nights begin to cool down.
Regarding substrate, it is essential to understand that the mushroom mycelium will need to decompose and spread throughout the substrate before the mushroom can fruit. Common substrates for growing mushrooms include straw or hardwood sawdust, but natural substrates may contain other species of fungi that could produce poisonous mushrooms. The substrate should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5 and 6.5, and have a minimum moisture content of 50-70%. Additionally, the substrate should be free of competing organisms to give the mushroom mycelium a clean slate to grow.
To determine the colour of a spore print, place the mushroom cap on a sheet of paper, cover it with a bowl or cup, and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Upon removing the cap, there should be a spore print on the paper. The colour of the spores can then be compared to field guides or images to assist in mushroom identification. It is important to note that spore print colours can vary depending on the thickness of the print, and some mushrooms may not produce spores at certain elevations. Additionally, some mushrooms may be too young or old to produce spores, and immature or sterile mushrooms will not leave a spore print.
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Note any liquid exuded when the mushroom's stem is broken
When identifying a mushroom, it is important to note any liquid that is exuded when the mushroom's stem is broken. This is because the presence or absence of liquid, as well as its colour and smell, can provide valuable clues about the mushroom's identity.
Some mushrooms exude droplets of liquid when damaged. For example, mushrooms in the Melanoleuca genus exude droplets of milky-white, coloured or transparent liquid when damaged. The stems of these mushrooms are typically long, thin, and tough, with a smooth or slightly fibrous texture. They are usually equal in width throughout and do not have a ring or partial veil.
Another example is the Milkcaps, which are from the Lactarius family. These mushrooms exude a milky substance from the gills when touched or damaged. This milk can be very acrid and/or hot, so it should not be tasted unless you are familiar with Milkcaps or can tolerate hot chillies raw. Most Milkcaps are toxic, so it is best to stay away from any fungi that 'lactate' from the gills unless you can identify them with certainty.
In contrast, some mushrooms do not exude any liquid when damaged. For example, the Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) does not ooze any liquid (latex) from its gills when cut. However, its toxic look-alike, the Jack O'Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens), does exude liquid from its gills, so it is important to carefully examine the gills to differentiate between these two similar-looking mushrooms.
Additionally, the presence or absence of liquid can help identify whether a mushroom belongs to the gilled or pored group. If the underside of the cap is covered in gills, which are narrow strips arranged radially around the stem, the mushroom is a gilled mushroom. Examples of gilled mushrooms include russulas, amanitas, and chanterelles. On the other hand, if there are small holes on the underside of the cap, the mushroom is a "pored mushroom". If the pore layer is soft and can be easily detached, it is a bolete, while a hard, woody, or tough specimen without a stem or with a short stem is a polypore.
It is important to note that mushroom identification can be challenging, and misidentification can have serious consequences as many mushrooms are poisonous. Therefore, it is recommended to consult multiple sources such as field guides, online resources, and experienced mushroom enthusiasts, and never consume a mushroom unless you are 100% sure of its identity.
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Compare with pictures in a guidebook or app
There are a variety of ways to compare a mushroom with pictures in a guidebook or app. Firstly, it is important to note that identifying mushrooms can be challenging, especially for beginners, and there is a significant chance of misidentification. It is recommended to not consume a mushroom based solely on the result obtained from a guidebook or app.
When comparing with pictures, several key characteristics should be considered:
Shape and Structure
Examine the overall shape of the mushroom, including the cap and stem. Is the cap convex, funnel-shaped, or fan-shaped? Does it have a distinct stem, or is it more shelf-like? Are there any scales or rings on the cap or stem? What is the texture of the cap and stem—smooth, waxy, fibrous, or viscid?
Gills or Pores
Check the underside of the cap for the presence of gills or pores. If gills are present, observe their arrangement—are they attached to the stem, running down its length, or do they end where the stem begins? Do they form a Y-shape or alternate in length? If pores are present, note their spongy texture.
Colour
Note the colour of the cap, stem, gills or pores, and any spore print produced. Common colours include white, cream, yellow, purple, brown, beige, and black. Spore print colours can be white, greenish, or greenish-yellow.
Habitat
Observe the habitat in which the mushroom is growing. Is it found on the ground, on a tree (living or dead), or on rotting wood or debris? Knowing the substrate and ecology can help with identification.
Size
Compare the size of the mushroom with the pictures. Some mushrooms can be very large or small, so this is an important distinguishing feature.
Additional Characteristics
Other characteristics to note include the presence of an annulus (a skirt of tissue around the stem) or a volva (a sack of tissue at the base of the stem). Also, observe any exudate—do droplets of liquid form when the mushroom is damaged?
By carefully comparing these characteristics with the pictures and descriptions in a guidebook or app, you can attempt to identify the mushroom. Remember to be detail-oriented and mindful of similar-looking species. Additionally, it is always recommended to seek a second opinion from an expert or local mushroom club.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many factors to consider when identifying a mushroom, such as its colour, size, shape, and growth patterns. You can also examine the underside of the cap, where spores are formed, to look for gills or teeth. Take note of the substrate, or the material that the fungus is growing from, as some mushrooms only grow in soil, on living trees, or on rotting wood.
One example of a mushroom is the bolete, which has a separate cap and stem with a spongy surface of pores. Chanterelles have false gills and do not grow in clusters. They typically have slightly vase-shaped caps and orange-yellow stems. Another example is the northern tooth, which has small teeth or spines hanging from the underside of its cap and grows on dying maple trees.
Yes, there are mushroom identification apps available, such as Picture Mushroom, which can help you identify mushrooms by uploading a picture. Additionally, you can refer to field guides or guidebooks specific to your region to help with identification based on characteristics such as spore colour and habitat.
It is important to be detail-oriented and mindful of the small and delicate features of mushrooms, as different species can look very similar. Do not consume any mushrooms based solely on identification from the internet or apps, as accurate identification can be challenging and requires expertise. Always seek a second opinion from experts or local mushroom clubs.
