Sarah Brown
Mushroom hunting is a fun activity that can be done in the woods or your backyard. The best time to look for mushrooms is during the damp, cool season of autumn, as opposed to spring. This is because the hotter, drier nature of summer tends to push mushrooms into overdrive, causing them to spread their underground networks. When the damper conditions of autumn arrive, mushrooms are much more abundant and easier to find. Most mushrooms flourish in late summer to early fall, but specific types have different growing seasons. For example, black morels start to appear at the end of April or beginning of May, after at least seven straight days of above-freezing temperatures. Chanterelles come in the late spring and early fall, blooming when temperatures start falling below 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They stop coming out when temperatures dip below 50. Oyster mushrooms have a much longer season and can be found in fall, spring, and even winter. Mushrooms typically grow in moist, shady spots, such as on north-facing slopes, right after a rain, near the roots of broadleaf deciduous trees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of year | Late summer to early fall |
| Temperature | Below 70 degrees at night |
| Rain | 2-10 days after heavy rain |
| Location | North-facing slopes, near beech and oak trees |
| Type of mushroom | Chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, morel mushrooms, magic mushrooms |
| Safety | Do not consume unless certain they are edible |
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What You'll Learn
After a period of rain
Mushrooms thrive in damp, humid conditions, so it's no surprise that a bout of rainfall can trigger their growth. While some species may appear as soon as the day after a rain shower, others take longer to mature, and you'll have a better chance of spotting them a couple of weeks after the rain.
The ideal time to go hunting for mushrooms is when the conditions are just right for their growth. A "slow soak" of around two inches of rainfall is said to be the perfect amount to get things going. After such a rainfall, mushrooms can take anywhere from two to ten days to fruit. So, if you're eager to find a variety of mature mushrooms, it's worth waiting a couple of weeks before heading out.
However, it's important to keep in mind that mushroom growth is influenced by various factors, including temperature and species-specific fruiting habits. Some species may reach maturity just a day or two after a rain shower, while others may take longer to develop. The temperature also plays a role, as higher temperatures can cause mushrooms to dry up quickly, shortening their lifespan.
To increase your chances of finding an abundance of mushrooms, it's recommended to get out there and gain some hunting experience. By doing so, you'll soon develop an intuition for when and where to look. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced hunters or local mycological clubs can provide valuable insights into the behaviour of different mushroom species.
Remember, while mushroom hunting can be exciting, it's crucial to prioritize your safety. Always properly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as consuming the wrong variety can lead to serious health risks. Happy hunting!
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In the autumn
Autumn is a great time for mushroom foraging. The fruiting bodies of many species flourish in autumn with the return of cooler, wetter weather. The availability and choice of mushrooms are high in autumn, and you can find them well into the cooler months.
However, it is important to remember that not all mushrooms are edible, and some are highly toxic. If you are unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to leave it. Consult a local foraging group or online resource to familiarize yourself with the specifics of identifying local edible mushroom types.
- Cep, also known as porcini or the king, is one of the finest edible mushrooms. It is large, with a chestnut-coloured glossy cap and a thick, meaty stem. It has a sweet and soft texture with a little textural bite.
- Field mushrooms are abundant and can be easily found in autumn.
- Puffballs are giant mushrooms that can grow to the size of a human head. They are glorious grilled with bacon and a poached egg on top.
- Lobster mushrooms are bright orange and grow in thick clumps. They are popular in parts of the US and have a firm and potato-like texture.
- Charcoal burner is a beautiful mushroom that is commonly found in woods from summer through to autumn. It has a rounded cap that is 7-12 cm across and can be coloured violet, grey, pink, green, or yellow.
- Bay bolete has a brownish rounded cap that is 4-15 cm wide. The flesh is white or slightly yellow, and the underside of the cap has small yellowish pores that bruise bluish-grey when pressed.
- Hen-of-the-woods grows at the base of trees and forms bushy rosettes. It is well-suited for pickling, sauteing, and deep-frying.
- Lion's mane grows on the trunks of dead and dying oaks and beeches. It has a shellfish flavour and can be used in place of crab for making crab cakes.
- Wood blewits are lilac-coloured mushrooms that smell like lilacs when young. They have a strong flavour and do not need many side ingredients.
- Fairy ring mushrooms are typically long-stemmed with tan or white caps and well-spaced gills underneath. They are commonly found on lawns and grass.
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In specific locations, e.g. near dying trees
Mushrooms growing on trees are often a sign of decay and impending death. The mushrooms are feeding on the tree, breaking down the organic matter, and their presence indicates that the tree is not doing well. The fungus is not the cause of the tree's decline but rather an indicator of its eventual fate.
Mushrooms that grow on trees are often parasitic, requiring a living host to get the nutrients they need. Over time, they infect the entire host, causing it to die. However, some mushrooms, like mycorrhizal mushrooms, form beneficial symbiotic relationships with living trees, extending the range of the tree's roots and providing extra nutrients and moisture.
If you see mushrooms growing on the trunk of a tree, it is a sign of rot within the tree. When they grow from the tree's root flare or on surface roots, it indicates root rot. Certain types of mushrooms, like shelf mushrooms, can hollow out a tree, making it prone to falling in high winds. Therefore, it is important to address fungal infections early on to prevent the loss of the tree.
Some common mushrooms that grow on trees include oyster mushrooms, which are found on various types of trees, including elm, box elder, aspen, oak, and beech. Chicken of the woods is another common variety, found on living and dead trees, stumps, and over roots. They can grow on both coniferous and deciduous trees. Lion's mane mushrooms are often found on elderly, dying, or dead trees, particularly oak, beech, maple, sycamore, and walnut trees. They are sought-after for their edible and medicinal properties. Maitake is another type of mushroom that is weakly parasitic, feeding on the roots of aging oak trees. They are common on stumps, downed trees, and living trees. Pheasant's back mushrooms are parasitic on old dying trees, particularly elm, beech, and sycamore, but they can also be found on oak, maple, and ash trees. Wood ear mushrooms are unusual-looking brown jelly fungi that grow in clusters on dead and dying branches, especially elder trees and other hardwoods like beech, sycamore, and ash.
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When the temperature is right
Mushrooms are highly dependent on the right weather conditions to grow. Chanterelles, for instance, appear in the late spring and early fall, when temperatures start falling below 70°F (21°C) at night. They stop growing when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C).
Oyster mushrooms have a longer season than most wild mushrooms, appearing in fall, spring, and even winter. They are typically found growing on wood, either stacked vertically along tree trunks or on rotting logs.
Morel mushrooms are also dependent on good weather. Black morels, for example, appear at the end of April or the beginning of May, after at least seven consecutive days of above-freezing temperatures. A couple of days of rain and 50°F (10°C) temperatures at night are ideal conditions for their growth.
In general, mushrooms tend to grow in moist, shady spots, which most often occur in areas that receive the least sunlight, such as north-facing slopes. They also tend to grow near the roots of broadleaf deciduous trees, such as beech and oak.
Mushroom hunting can be a fun activity, but it is important to be able to identify mushrooms correctly to avoid consuming poisonous varieties.
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At the right time of year, e.g. chanterelles in spring and fall
Chanterelles are best found in the late spring and early fall, when temperatures start to fall below 70°F (21°C) at night. They stop growing when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C). They require a lot of rain to grow, so you're more likely to find them after a big rainfall. Chanterelles can grow to be huge, but on average they grow to 3 to 4 inches tall, with an equal cap width. They can be identified by their forked and cross-veined gills, which are not like the gills of store-bought mushrooms. The stem is often the same color as the cap, or almost white to yellowish. Chanterelles can grow singly or in patches, both small and large.
False Chanterelles, also known as Jack-o'-lanterns, are a common lookalike. They grow in large clusters, with all of the stems connected at the base, and do not have forked gills. They are generally bright orange. While not deadly, they will cause an upset stomach.
Morels are best found during the spring, between April and May, after a good spring rain. They grow best when it's 40°F (4°C) at night and 60°F (15°C) during the day, so the ground temperature is about 50°F (10°C). They are often found at the base of sycamore, ash, and elm trees. Morels have a honeycomb texture and are hollow inside, with the top attached.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be found anytime from early spring to late fall, but they are most common in September and October. They grow on dead trees or logs and are bright orange with a sea shell shape. They have a similar texture to chicken when cooked.
Lion's Mane mushrooms usually look like white pom-poms and are used as food and medicine. They can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked, and are available in grocery stores and restaurants. They are also used in supplements and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms tend to grow in moist, shady spots, so look out for north-facing slopes and areas near roots of broadleaf deciduous trees such as beech and oak. The best time to go hunting is during the damp, cool season of autumn, as opposed to spring.
Mushrooms can start appearing the day after rains, but this depends on the type of mushroom. Some may take up to 10 days to sprout.
Chanterelles and oyster mushrooms are good targets for beginner foragers. Chanterelles have a bright colour, ranging from pale orange-yellow to bright gold, and a rich flavour. They can be found in fallen leaves under oak trees. Oyster mushrooms typically grow on wood, either stacked vertically along tree trunks or on rotting logs. They have a longer season than most wild mushrooms and can be found in fall, spring, and winter.
