Emily Johnson
While there is no fixed start or end to mushroom foraging, as different species thrive in different seasons, the majority of wild mushrooms grow in spring, summer, and fall, with some varieties growing in winter. The specific growing season depends on the species of mushroom, the location of the woods, the weather, and the skill of the forager. For example, morels are the first to appear in the wild in spring, whereas Porcini mushrooms are found in late summer and early fall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of growing seasons | 4 (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) |
| Most common growing season | Spring, Summer, and Fall |
| Mushrooms that grow in all seasons | Some species |
| Factors that determine the growing season | Location of the woods, weather, and skill of the forager |
| Mushrooms that appear in Spring | Morels, Gyromitra, Enoki, Velvet Shank, Oyster, Chicken of the Woods |
| Mushrooms that appear in Fall | Porcini, Hen of the Woods, Hedgehogs |
| Mushrooms that appear in Winter | Oyster |
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What You'll Learn
Spring: the best time to find wild mushrooms
Spring is an exciting time of year for mushroom foragers. While morels are the most well-known mushroom to appear in the spring, there are plenty of other varieties of edible wild mushrooms that grow during this season. The specific types of mushrooms you'll find depend on your location, the types of trees in the area, and the amount of rainfall.
Morels are often the first mushroom to appear in the spring, sometimes emerging as early as April in the Pacific Northwest of the US, and mid-May or later in the Northeast. They can be found at the base of ash, elm, aspen, poplar, cottonwood or apple trees, and have a finely ribbed exterior that looks like a honeycomb, with a hollow and white interior. Morels are highly prized for their deep, nutty flavour, but they can be hard to spot as they blend into their surroundings.
Other mushrooms that fruit in spring include the Gyromitra variety, which are eaten in some places but require advanced knowledge as they are poisonous unless thoroughly cooked. Oyster mushrooms also often fruit in spring, with the P. populinus variety growing exclusively on aspen trees. Golden oyster mushrooms can be found in great quantities, particularly after rain, and are delicious when young and bug-free.
Tiny grey sponge mushrooms, also known as enoki or velvet shank mushrooms, are another variety that often fruits before morels. These are essentially the same as the cultivated mushrooms sold in supermarkets. Besides the common variety that grows on elm trees, there is also F. populicola, which grows on aspen and is often slightly larger.
To increase your chances of finding wild mushrooms in spring, keep an eye on the weather as rainfall can have a significant impact on mushroom growth. Joining online forums or local foraging groups can also help you learn from experienced foragers and stay up-to-date with the current season's findings in your area.
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Summer and fall: when most mushrooms grow
While there is no fixed start or end to mushroom foraging, as different species thrive in varying conditions, summer and fall are particularly good seasons for finding wild mushrooms. The weather plays a crucial role in the growth of mushrooms, and a rainy or dry spring can significantly impact the mushroom kingdom.
In summer, you can find the meaty and rot-resistant hedgehog mushrooms. They get their name from their spiky appearance, and they are often still edible even when older. Porcini mushrooms are another variety that can be found in late summer and early fall. They are quite challenging to find, so be prepared to search extensively in conifer forests from September through December.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms also fruit in late summer and early fall. These mushrooms are distinctive as they grow in the same spot year after year, making them a favourite among foragers. Mark the location and date when you find them, and you can return annually for a fresh crop.
Fall is the season for Hen of the Woods mushrooms, the last significant mushroom fruiting of the year in most regions. They typically appear from September to November, depending on the climate, but unfortunately, they do not grow in the Pacific Northwest. Oyster mushrooms, particularly the P.ostreatus variety, are also prevalent in fall. They favour cool, wet weather and can sometimes be found even after the first snowfalls of winter.
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Winter: some mushrooms still grow
While most mushrooms grow in the spring, summer, and fall, some varieties still grow in the winter. For example, the elegant golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) mushroom can be found in the wild in North America as late as December.
In mild winters, mushrooms can still be found in January and February, and some mushroom seasons can continue all year round. This is often due to rain, as mushrooms tend to grow after rainfall. For example, golden oyster mushrooms, an invasive species in the Upper Midwest, can be found in great quantities after rain.
In Australia, mushrooms are widespread in coniferous woods in autumn, from the end of February to early May, after rainfall.
The best times to find mushrooms depend on the location of the woods, the weather, and the skill of the forager. It's important to learn about the characteristics of each mushroom type and how to collect and store mushrooms safely. Some mushrooms are toxic or require advanced knowledge to prepare, so it's essential to be able to identify mushrooms correctly before consuming them.
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Pacific Northwest: morels appear in April
While there is no fixed start or end to mushroom foraging, as different species grow all year round, the majority of mushrooms grow in the spring, summer, and fall. The best mushrooms are the early ones, as they are less likely to be riddled with fungal gnat larvae.
In the Pacific Northwest, morels appear as early as April, marking the beginning of the true foraging season. Morels are the first to appear in the wild in spring, and they often grow at the base of an ash, elm, aspen, poplar, cottonwood, or apple tree. They have a finely ribbed exterior that looks like honeycomb, and the interior is hollow and white. They are the most expensive mushroom and are considered the most tasty, with a deep, nutty flavor.
Morels can be hard to spot, as they blend in well with their environment, so foragers need to be attentive. They are also not the only mushrooms to appear in spring; tiny grey sponge mushrooms, also known as enoki or velvet shank mushrooms, often appear before morels. These are the same enoki mushrooms found in Asian grocery stores. They grow on elm trees, and a slightly larger variety, F. populicola, grows on aspen trees.
In addition to morels and sponge mushrooms, oyster mushrooms also fruit in early spring. Oyster mushrooms are sometimes found through winter, and they can be harvested even after they freeze on the trees.
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Northeast US: morels appear in mid-May or later
While there is no definitive start or end to mushroom foraging, as different species thrive all year round, there are certain times of the year when specific mushrooms are more prevalent. In the Northeast US, morels appear in mid-May or later, marking the beginning of the true foraging season.
Morels are the first mushroom to appear in the wild in spring, and they are often hard to spot as they blend in with their environment. They have a finely ribbed exterior that resembles a honeycomb, and the interior is hollow and white. Black morels can be found at the base of an ash, elm, aspen, poplar, cottonwood or apple tree, according to Garden College Magazine. They often feed on dying root systems, so keep an eye out for decaying trees.
Morels are highly sought after as they are considered the most tasty, with a deep, nutty flavour. They are also the most expensive mushroom. As soon as the weather is warm enough, they emerge from the ground. While in the Pacific Northwest, this can be as early as April, it is often mid-May or later in the Northeast US.
To increase your chances of finding morels, look out for wooded areas with the types of trees mentioned above. Keep in mind that morels prefer cool, wet weather, so time your foraging trips after rainfall during spring and early summer. Remember to consult local foraging groups or online resources to familiarise yourself with the specific characteristics of morels and other edible mushroom types in your region.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no defined start or end to wild mushroom foraging, as different species thrive all year round, the majority of wild mushrooms grow in spring, summer, and fall.
Mushrooms that grow in spring include morels, oyster mushrooms, and tiny grey sponge mushrooms.
Mushrooms that grow in fall include chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, and hedgehogs.
