Michael Davis
Colorado is home to a variety of mushroom species, ranging from edible delicacies to deadly fungi. The state hosts the second-largest mycological habitat in the US, with between 2,000 and 3,000 species of mushrooms. While some mushrooms, like the porcini, chanterelle, and morel, are well-known, others, like the artist's conk fungus, are more unusual and grow straight out of tree bodies. Colorado's forests, especially the San Juan and Rocky Mountains, offer a diverse range of mushrooms, attracting mushroom hunters and foragers alike. The state's unique terrain and varying elevations create ideal conditions for these fungi, making Colorado a mushroom enthusiast's paradise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species | 2,000-3,000 |
| Edible mushrooms | Porcinis, King Boletes, Chanterelles, Morels, Burn Morels, Hawk's Wings, Western Giant Puffballs, Aspen Oysters, Gem Studded Puffballs, Matsutake, Boletus Rubriceps, Boletus Edulis |
| Inedible mushrooms | Artist's Conk, Sarcodon Imbricatus, Destroying Angel, Amanita Muscaria, Shaggy Mane Inky Caps |
| Mushroom season | End of June to September |
| Ideal growing conditions | High elevations, above 10,000', along streams, under spruce trees, in disturbed ground, in forests with pine cover, in areas with downed decaying trees, under lodgepole pines |
| Mushroom hunting locations | San Juan Mountains, Norwood, Telluride, Rico, Dunton, Dolores, Gunnison National Forest, Routt National Forest, Rocky Mountains |
| Mushroom hunting resources | Telluride Mushroom Festival, Colorado Mycological Society Facebook group, Books, Online maps |
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What You'll Learn
Porcini, or king boletes
Porcini mushrooms, or king boletes, are a common find in Colorado. They are often sought after by mushroom hunters and chefs for their large size and great taste. They usually fruit in Colorado during mid to late July and can grow through the end of August and even into September, depending on weather patterns. If the monsoons start early and the summer heat stays through the nights, they grow abundantly. Porcinis are typically found in high elevations, between 10,500 and 11,200 feet, along streams and under spruce trees. They can also be found in forest clearings or growing through the needles of forest floors.
Porcinis have a mycorrhizal relationship with conifer trees, particularly Engelmann spruce, and sometimes firs and Douglas fir. They can also be associated with pines, although this is less common. To identify them, look for reddish-brown mushrooms that resemble hamburger buns. They have white flesh that does not stain and, as they mature, their pores become yellow or greenish-brown.
Porcinis are highly regarded for their taste and versatility in cooking. They can be enjoyed fresh or dried and are commonly used in dishes like risotto to add a strong, earthy, and meaty flavour. However, it is important to exercise caution when foraging for porcinis, as they can be mistaken for other mushrooms, including the poisonous Cortinarius speciosissimus (deadly webcap). It is recommended to have reliable knowledge and experience in foraging mushrooms and to use guidebooks or seek expert advice when in doubt.
The Rocky Mountain King Bolete, or Boletus rubriceps, is a variety of porcini native to the Southern Rocky Mountains. It is often plentiful and easy to find, making it a great mushroom for beginners. It is also known as the penny bun due to its shape and has white or off-white pores when young, which can be consumed. As the mushroom matures, the pores turn yellow and some people find them bitter, so they are often removed.
In summary, porcini mushrooms, or king boletes, are a sought-after edible mushroom variety in Colorado. They are known for their distinct appearance, flavour, and elevation range. When foraging for porcinis, it is important to be cautious and properly identify them to avoid consuming any poisonous look-alikes. The Rocky Mountain King Bolete is a notable variety within this species that is especially prevalent in the Southern Rocky Mountains.
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Chanterelles
When searching for Chanterelles in Colorado, it is important to have a combination of patience, knowledge, and luck. They can be found in certain areas, such as along Bard Creek near Empire and Georgetown, where there are about 9.6 miles of trails to explore. The South Saint Vrain trailhead, northwest of Boulder, is another good starting point, as it begins around 9,000 feet, which is just below the typical elevation where Chanterelles start to grow. Along this trail, you can explore the conifer patches that line the creek. Additionally, the Shrine Pass hiking trail is known for its abundance of wildflowers, and as the season progresses and rains come, Chanterelles can occasionally be found here as well.
It is important to note that while Chanterelles are edible and sought-after, it is dangerous to consume wild mushrooms without proper knowledge and experience. Some mushrooms, like the Destroying Angel found in Colorado, are deadly and can cause severe, irreversible damage to the liver and kidneys if ingested. Therefore, it is crucial to be 100% sure about the identification of any wild mushroom before consuming it.
Colorado is known for its diverse mushroom ecosystem, offering between 2,000 and 3,000 species of mushrooms. The state's unique climate and terrain contribute to the abundance and variety of mushrooms found there. Chanterelles, in particular, thrive in the high elevations and symbiosis with the local flora, making them a special treat for foragers and chefs alike.
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Morels
Morel mushrooms are among the most sought-after wild mushrooms in Colorado. They are prized for their taste and large size. There are two types of morel mushrooms in Colorado: black morels and yellow morels. Black morels are the first to grow, typically around the end of May or the beginning of June, depending on the weather. They have a short growing season and prefer moist, shaded ground. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including riparian areas, ponderosa forests, aspen groves, conifer forests, and near small spring water streams. The best habitat for black morels is typically a mixed conifer forest from 7,000 to 9,500 feet in elevation.
Yellow morels tend to sprout after the black morel season and have a similar short growing season. They are typically found alongside rivers, especially along the Colorado River, where cottonwood trees bloom. While natural morels can be elusive in Colorado, burn morels, which fruit only in old wildfires where mixed conifers have burned, are more common. These burn morels can fruit in abundance, depending on environmental factors such as heat, fire, and rain.
Morel mushrooms can be challenging to find as they hide well, but they often grow in groups, so finding one can lead to discovering many more. It is important to note that while Colorado has many wild, edible mushrooms, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them to avoid any dangerous or deadly mistakes.
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Aspen oysters
Oyster mushrooms are a common variety of mushrooms found in the wild. The Aspen oyster mushroom (Pleurotus populinus) is part of the oyster species complex found in North America. It primarily appears on quaking aspen trees, which is where it gets its name, but it can also be found on other aspen and cottonwood trees.
The Aspen oyster mushroom is a saprobe, meaning it feeds on dead organic matter. It causes white rot, which will eventually kill its host tree. These mushrooms grow singularly but are more frequently found in dense, shelf-like clusters. The caps of the Aspen oyster mushroom are white, cream-coloured, light grey, or pale tan, with some variance in colouring. They are half-moon or oyster-shell-shaped with a slight depression in the centre and are also described as kidney-shaped, fan-shaped, or almost circular, depending on where they are growing. Aspen oyster caps are bare and have inrolled margins when young, and as they mature, the edges turn wavy and upturned. The gills on Aspen oysters are decurrent, meaning they run partway down the stem. The gills are white or cream-coloured and closely spaced. The stem is often non-existent or very short, and it is also white or cream-coloured and may be slightly hairy. The flesh of the Aspen oyster is white and does not change colour when cut or bruised. It has a mild, mushroomy scent, sometimes with a light licorice fragrance.
Aspen oyster mushrooms are best used within a few days of harvesting. They can be stored in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. These mushrooms are a favourite snack of slugs, chipmunks, and other forest creatures, so if you find some in good condition, harvest them right away! Aspen oyster mushrooms are edible, as are all oyster mushroom species. They are commonly used in cooking, known for their oyster-shaped caps.
Aspen oyster mushrooms are generally found in northern, mountainous areas, following the range of their preferred tree hosts. They are more likely to be found on dying or dead trees or logs.
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Hawk's wings
Sarcodon imbricatus, commonly known as Hawk's Wings, is a distinctive-looking mushroom that can be found in Colorado. It is identified by its light tan colour, feathery scales on the topside, and gills underneath the cap. Hawk's Wings are edible mushrooms that are favoured by mushroom lovers in Colorado for their unique appearance and easily identifiable nature, making them a great option for beginner foragers.
When it comes to taste, Hawk's Wings can be mild to bitter, with older mushrooms tending to be more bitter. They are best when harvested young, and many people compare their taste to portobellos. Hawk's Wings can be prepared in various ways, including marinated and grilled, dried and reconstituted, sautéed, or used in soups. However, it is important to cook wild mushrooms thoroughly before consumption.
While Hawk's Wings are edible, it is crucial to correctly identify them before consuming them. There are similar-looking mushrooms that grow on wood, such as the Dryad's Saddle, which can be easily confused with Hawk's Wings. Additionally, some people may find Hawk's Wings bitter and inedible, so it is essential to exercise caution and consult multiple sources and expert opinions before consuming any wild mushroom.
For those interested in foraging for Hawk's Wings in Colorado, it is recommended to join local mushrooming groups, such as the Colorado Mycological Society or Western Slope Fungophiles. These groups can provide valuable knowledge, experience, and guidance on identifying and foraging for mushrooms in the region. Additionally, online resources, such as maps and e-books, can be helpful tools for locating Hawk's Wings and other mushroom species in Colorado.
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Frequently asked questions
Colorado is home to many edible mushrooms, including porcinis, chanterelles, morels, and aspen oysters.
Porcinis, also known as king boletes, are reddish-brown and can resemble hamburger buns. They are large and easily identifiable.
Mushroom season in Colorado typically begins towards the end of June and can last through September. Porcinis can usually be found from mid-to-late July until the end of August, and sometimes into September.
Porcinis are often found in high elevations along streams and under spruce trees. They can also be found in the Routt National Forest and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Yes, there are some toxic mushrooms in Colorado, including the destroying angel and amanita muscaria (fly agaric). These mushrooms can be deadly if ingested, so it is important to only consume mushrooms that you are certain are safe.
