John Miller
Mushroom foraging is a popular hobby, but it can be dangerous. There are around 1.5 million species of fungi, and only an expert can tell the difference between edible and toxic varieties. To avoid poisoning, it is important to learn about the characteristics of dangerous mushrooms and to join a mycological society to learn from experienced mushroom pickers. When picking mushrooms, it is recommended to use a knife to cut them, leaving two inches still attached to the ground, or to twist and pull them to avoid damaging the mycelium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Chanterelle, Hedgehog mushroom, Winter chanterelle, Bolete, Russula, Horse mushroom, Parasol, Wax cap, Blewitt, Cep, Oyster mushroom, Hen of the Woods, Amanita, Galerina, Entoloma, Devil's Bolete, Poison pie, Sickener, Yellow-staining mushroom, Field mushroom, Cultivated mushroom, Destroying angel, Deathcap |
| Mushroom characteristics | Fleshy, not dried out or decaying, gills are clearly delineated, not mushy, has a sweet or smokey smell |
| Mushroom picking technique | Cutting or twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium, using a knife or a small garden trowel |
| Safety | Avoid amanita, galerina, entoloma, and cortinarius species, especially poisonous young amanitas that look like small puffball mushrooms, false morels, and little brown mushrooms |
| Mushroom picking equipment | Basket or paper bag, knife, small garden trowel, mushroom field guide, water and snacks |
| Mushroom picking companions | Friends, dogs, local mycological society |
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What You'll Learn
- Safety first: avoid poisonous mushrooms like amanita, galerina, and cortinarius
- Cutting vs. pulling: two techniques to pick mushrooms without damaging the mycelium
- Tools: bring a basket, knife, trowel, and field guide to identify mushrooms
- Seasons and locations: know when and where to find mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms in rainy seasons
- Permits: research if you need a permit for foraging, especially on government land
Safety first: avoid poisonous mushrooms like amanita, galerina, and cortinarius
Mushroom foraging is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's important to keep safety at the top of your priorities. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and, in some cases, even death. Here are some tips to avoid poisonous mushrooms like Amanita, Galerina, and Cortinarius:
Amanita Mushrooms
Amanita mushrooms, such as the fly agaric (A. muscaria), can be identified by their distinctive appearance. They typically have a bright red cap with white spots and white gills. Other Amanita species may have yellow to red caps, such as Armillaria cf. mellea, or entirely orange to red caps like A. caesarea. While A. muscaria is not usually fatal, it can cause poisoning due to its psychoactive compounds. Always be cautious and properly identify any mushrooms before consuming them.
Galerina Mushrooms
Galerina marginata, also known as funeral bell or deadly skullcap, is an extremely poisonous mushroom. It is a small to medium-sized brownish mushroom, often referred to as a "little brown mushroom." Galerina marginata contains amatoxins, which are responsible for a large percentage of fatal mushroom poisonings. Initial symptoms after ingestion include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Avoid any mushrooms resembling this description unless you are absolutely certain they are not Galerina marginata.
Cortinarius Mushrooms
The Cortinarius genus is suspected to be the largest genus of agarics, with over 2,000 species. While some species like C. caperatus are edible, many are highly toxic, including C. orellanus and C. rubellus, known as deadly webcaps. Cortinarius mushrooms are challenging to identify due to their similarity to other edible mushrooms. They are often identified by their rusty brown spore print and the veil between the cap and stem in young specimens. The toxin orellanine in Cortinarius is easy to detect as it is fluorescent.
General Safety Tips
- Always carry a mushroom field guide and properly identify mushrooms before consuming them.
- Bring a small trowel or hand weeder to extract the entire mushroom, which makes identification easier.
- Forage with friends or a well-trained dog for safety and to get second opinions on mushroom identification.
- Check for any permits required in your area, especially when foraging on government land.
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks, especially when foraging in remote areas.
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Cutting vs. pulling: two techniques to pick mushrooms without damaging the mycelium
There are two schools of thought on the best way to pick mushrooms without damaging the mycelium. One method is to cut off the fruit bodies where they join the ground or whatever they are growing from. This is to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. The other method is to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium. Proponents of this method argue that this prevents the residual stump left by cutting from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, this argument has been refuted, as all fungi will eventually rot away if left alone.
Some experienced mushroom hunters recommend the cutting method when dealing with easily identified species as it minimises disturbance. However, for certain species, such as those of the Amanita genus, it may be necessary to uproot the entire specimen to accurately identify them. In such cases, it is crucial to cover the exposed mycelium to prevent it from drying out.
Practical experience suggests that different types of fungi may respond better to one method over the other. Mycorrhizal fungi, which live in symbiosis with vascular plants, often detach cleanly when pulled from their mycelial web. On the other hand, saprophytic fungi, which rot down fallen vegetative matter, tend to bring a large clump of mycelium with them when pulled.
It is worth noting that long-term studies, including a 35-year study from Germany, have concluded that it makes little to no difference to the fungus whether the mushroom is cut or pulled. The critical factor is avoiding excessive compaction or disturbance of the ground or leaf litter, as this can damage the mycelium.
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Tools: bring a basket, knife, trowel, and field guide to identify mushrooms
Mushroom hunting, or foraging, is a popular activity for nature and food enthusiasts. It can be a risky activity, so it's important to have the right tools and knowledge. Here are some essential tools to bring when picking mushrooms:
Basket
A basket is essential for mushroom hunting as it allows you to collect mushrooms without crushing them. Woven baskets are sturdy and can hold a large number of mushrooms. The Folding Market Basket is a spacious and hard-sided option with a handy divider. If you prefer a bag, the Sagaform Bag is a lightweight option with lots of mesh to release spores and allow dirt to fall out.
Knife
A sharp knife is essential for cutting mushrooms cleanly from the stem without damaging the mushroom or its surrounding environment. The Rough Rider Mushroom Knife is a popular choice due to its lightweight, easy-to-use, and non-stick design. A knife is also useful for cleaning the stems of mushrooms and checking for worms.
Trowel
A small garden trowel or hand weeder can be helpful for harvesting the entire mushroom specimen, especially for species like Boletes and Amanitas. Uprooting the whole mushroom makes it easier to identify certain species and avoids damaging the base with a knife.
Field Guide
It is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before picking and consuming them, as many mushrooms are inedible or poisonous. A field guide will help you determine whether a mushroom is edible and what its characteristics are. Look for physical features such as colour, shape, and texture, and pay attention to the surrounding vegetation and soil. Additionally, consider joining local mycological associations or clubs to learn from other enthusiasts and expert mycologists.
Other recommended items for mushroom picking include water to stay hydrated, sunscreen for sun protection, a permit if required (especially for government land), and friends or a well-trained dog for safety and assistance.
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Seasons and locations: know when and where to find mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms in rainy seasons
Mushroom hunting is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's important to know when and where to look for specific types of mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms, for example, can be found in various seasons and locations, but there are some key things to keep in mind.
Oyster mushrooms are saprophytic, which means they feed on dead organic matter. You can typically find them growing on dead or dying trees, fallen logs, or stumps in low-lying, humid areas near ponds or creeks. They are common in the spring but can also be found throughout the summer and fall. Their broad fleshy caps and distinctive oyster mushroom smell make them fairly easy to identify. However, there are some inedible mushrooms that may look similar, so it's important to be cautious.
In terms of locations, oyster mushrooms can be found all over the world, including in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, which is known for its abundant mushroom supply. Specifically, the east side of the Cascades in Oregon is a great place to find oyster mushrooms, along with other varieties like morels, porcini, chanterelle, and matsutake. The American Midwest, the Rockies, the Northeast, and much of Canada are also home to a variety of mushrooms.
When hunting mushrooms, it's important to be mindful of any permits or regulations in your area, especially if you're on government or protected land. Additionally, having the right tools, like a small trowel for digging up the mushrooms, and the right knowledge to identify safe mushrooms for consumption, are crucial for a safe and enjoyable mushroom hunting experience.
Lastly, while oyster mushrooms can be found in various seasons, dry weather in September can impact their growth, and the first frost of the year typically signals a decrease in mushroom abundance. So, late summer and early fall are ideal times to hunt for oysters and other varieties before the cold sets in.
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Permits: research if you need a permit for foraging, especially on government land
The need for permits when foraging for mushrooms varies depending on the location and the intended use of the mushrooms. In the United States, mushroom picking is generally allowed on private lands with permission from the landowner. Some landowners may require a permit, while others may simply allow it.
When it comes to public lands, the rules vary depending on the specific location and the type of land. Many national forests in the US allow mushroom foraging with a personal-use permit, which can often be obtained by calling the office ahead of time. Some examples include the Umatilla National Forest, the Umpqua National Forest, and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands also offer a large area for mushroom harvesting, and in most cases, no permit is required for personal use up to a certain quantity, typically one gallon per person per day. However, commercial picking is generally prohibited on BLM lands.
State parks tend to have varying regulations depending on the state. Some states like Oregon, Washington, and Illinois are mushroom-foraging friendly, while others like California largely prohibit the activity. County or regional parks also vary, and it is best to investigate their regulations online or by contacting them directly.
In the case of National Parks, the National Parks System (NPS) tends to prohibit almost all foraging activities. However, there are exceptions, and some National Parks may allow foraging for specific items like mushrooms, berries, or nuts for personal consumption.
It is important to note that regulations can change, so it is always advisable to check with the applicable government agency, landowner, or local authorities before foraging in any location. Additionally, some types of mushrooms, like truffles and matsutake, may have different regulations and require special permits.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be found in woods and meadows, especially after rainy days. They can also be found at the base of trees, fallen logs, and stumps. Specific types of mushrooms grow in certain regions, for example, morel, porcini, chanterelle, and matsutake mushrooms are native to the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Rockies, Northeast, and parts of Canada.
It is recommended to bring a basket or paper bag to store the mushrooms, as well as a knife to cut them. A small garden trowel can also be useful to extract the whole mushroom without damaging it. Additionally, bringing water and snacks is important when going on long treks.
It is important to familiarize yourself with both poisonous and difficult-to-identify mushroom species. Some common poisonous mushrooms include amanita, galerina, entoloma, and cortinarius. The death cap, a type of amanita, is especially dangerous and can lead to liver failure. Other poisonous mushrooms include the false morel, which is not hollow inside, and the little brown mushroom. Always cook the mushrooms before eating, as consuming them raw can cause stomach issues.
There are two main schools of thought on picking mushrooms. One method involves cutting the fruit bodies at the point where they join the ground to avoid damaging the mycelium. The other method involves twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium. Chanterelles, for example, can be cleanly detached from their mycelium, while saprophytic fungi tend to bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled.
Joining a local mycological society or club is a great way to learn from experienced mushroom pickers and enthusiasts. You can also purchase field guides and books on mycology to help you identify mushroom species in your region. Additionally, taking photographs of mushrooms before picking them and comparing them to field guides or showing them to experts can aid in identification.
