John Miller
Mushroom foraging is a fantastic hobby that can be done almost anywhere in the United States, except for dry, desert-like areas. The best places to find mushrooms are off the beaten path, in moist, damp, and humid environments. For example, if you're looking for chanterelles, head to mossy coniferous forests or mountainous birch forests. Mushroom foraging is best done with a group or with someone more experienced, as it can be difficult to identify mushrooms, and some are poisonous. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, foraging is a great way to get outside and connect with nature, and if you're lucky, you might find some delicious mushrooms!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | While some mushrooms are very poisonous, the majority of mushrooms won't cause more than some mild gastrointestinal issues. However, a few people die from eating poisonous mushrooms each year, and many more suffer from mild discomfort to liver failure. |
| Preparation | It is recommended to get a regional guide to edible wild mushrooms, and to learn to identify both edible and toxic mushrooms in your region. It is also important to note that a permit may be required to forage on government land. |
| Storage | Mushrooms should not be stored in plastic as they are primarily made of water and will turn to mush. Instead, use a basket or a reusable produce bag, which allows breathability and lets spores spread. |
| Types | Examples of edible mushrooms include chanterelles, oysters, king boletes, maitake, morels, giant puffballs, and chicken mushrooms. |
| Locations | Mushrooms typically grow in moisture-rich environments around fallen trees or in pastures. Chanterelles, for example, can be found in mixed hardwood forests, while oysters grow on dead trees or logs. |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms grow in moist, damp, humid conditions, often near creeks, swamps, or bogs
- Chanterelles grow in mossy coniferous forests and mountainous birch forests
- Oyster mushrooms are found on wood, like tree trunks or rotting logs
- Morels can be found near freshly dead elm trees in the Midwest, especially in Missouri
- Mushrooms grow at different elevations at different times of the year
Mushrooms grow in moist, damp, humid conditions, often near creeks, swamps, or bogs
Mushrooms are exhilarating to forage as they grow in a variety of environments, offering endless possibilities for flavours and aromas. They grow in moist, damp, humid conditions, often near creeks, swamps, or bogs.
While foraging for mushrooms can be intimidating due to the fear of consuming poisonous varieties, it is a rewarding experience that can connect you back to nature. Mushrooms grow abundantly in moisture-rich environments, near fallen trees or in pastures. They flourish after rainfall and can offer a new flush of growth. Chanterelles, for example, can be found in deep, old leaf litter around various plants, while oysters grow on dead trees or logs.
The hunt for mushrooms can be compared to a scavenger hunt, and it is essential to be prepared with the proper knowledge and equipment. A basic guide to mushrooms can help distinguish between safe and toxic varieties. Carrying a basket or a reusable produce bag is recommended for breathability and spore spread. Permits may also be required when foraging on government land or US Forest Service land.
Mushrooms thrive in dark, cool, and humid environments with minimal lighting. They grow best in temperature ranges between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct heat and drafts. Certain varieties, like Enoki mushrooms, prefer cooler temperatures of around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Lion's Mane mushrooms, known for their health benefits and unique lobster-like flavour, require high humidity of 85-95% and temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, mushrooms require a meticulous control of their growing environment, including factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and gas exchange, tailored to each species' specific needs. By understanding these requirements, growers can achieve thriving harvests and flawless crops.
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Chanterelles grow in mossy coniferous forests and mountainous birch forests
Chanterelles, the common name for several species of fungi in the genera Cantharellus, Craterellus, Gomphus, and Polyozellus, are found in Eurasia, North America, and Africa, typically growing in forested areas. They are orange, yellow, or white, meaty, and funnel-shaped. Chanterelles are a great edible mushroom for beginner foragers and are prized by chefs the world over for their succulent texture and delicate flavour. They are also known to have medicinal qualities, being high in vitamins C and D and very high in potassium.
Chanterelles typically grow in coniferous forests in mossy areas or in broadleaved forests. In Scotland, chanterelles form mycorrhizal (mutually beneficial) associations with birch and pine. They are also found near hardwoods like maple, poplar, and oak, and it is not uncommon to find them around white pines and blueberries. Other tree species associated with chanterelles include hemlock and bay. Chanterelles tend to grow near streams and other low-lying damp areas, often popping up in the path of runoff or drainage where surface water carries their spores downhill.
Chanterelles can be identified by their bright orange-yellow to pale gold colour, their funnel shape, and their false gills, which appear as wrinkles that are forked and wavy with blunt edges that run from the cap down the length of the stem. They also have a distinctive fruity apricot-like aroma. They appear between July and December, largely growing in summer and late autumn in woodlands.
When foraging for chanterelles, it is important to be able to distinguish them from similar-looking but toxic species such as the jack-o'-lantern mushroom, which is bright orange and has true (unforked) gills. The false chanterelle is another similar-looking species, though it is edible. It can be distinguished from the chanterelle by its orange hue and true gills.
Before consuming foraged mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. It is also crucial to only eat a mushroom if you are 100% sure that it is safe to consume.
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Oyster mushrooms are found on wood, like tree trunks or rotting logs
Oyster mushrooms are a common variety of mushrooms found all over the world. They are considered a choice edible, with a velvety texture and a unique flavour that can range from mild to strong. Oyster mushrooms are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead organic matter, in this case, wood. They are commonly found growing on dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly deciduous trees that lose their leaves.
Oyster mushrooms grow in a flat, broad fan shape, resembling an oyster shell, and range in colour from white, grey, tan to dark brown. They grow in clusters on stumps, logs, and trunks of trees. If the mushroom is growing on the side of a log, the stem will often be stubby and off-centre, whereas a mushroom growing on the top will have a more well-developed stem. Oyster mushrooms are usually found about 5 feet up on a tree that is still alive. They are often found on beech and aspen trees, and sometimes on conifers as well.
Oyster mushrooms are one of the few known carnivorous mushrooms, known to kill and consume small roundworms. They are also primary contributors to the decomposition process, making them vital in returning nutrients to the ecosystem. While this is beneficial for trees in forests, oyster mushrooms growing on your landscape trees could indicate that the tree is dead or dying.
Foraging for mushrooms can be an exhilarating experience, allowing you to connect with nature and discover the various types, varieties, and aromas of mushrooms. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming foraged mushrooms. While the majority of mushrooms you'll come across won't cause serious harm, some are very poisonous and can lead to mild stomach issues or, in rare cases, severe health issues. It is recommended to consult with an expert or join local mushroom hunting groups to educate yourself about identifying and foraging edible mushrooms.
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Morels can be found near freshly dead elm trees in the Midwest, especially in Missouri
Morel mushrooms have a special affinity for elm trees. In fact, some sources claim that elm trees are king when it comes to morel hunting. While live elm trees won't host morels, the mushrooms tend to fruit near dead or dying elms, especially those that have died in the summer or fall prior to spring. So, if you're on the hunt for morels, freshly dead elm trees are your best bet.
Identifying dead elm trees can be tricky, but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Take a look at the upper limbs of the tree. Are they bare and leafless while the surrounding trees are flourishing? Are the branches white and barkless? Is the bark falling off and scattered around the base of the tree? If you spot any of these traits, take a closer look near the tree for morels.
It's important to note that not all dead elm trees will host morels. The perfect spots to search are those that still have at least half of their bark remaining and/or many of their branches. The size of the tree doesn't always matter, as morels can be found near trees of various diameters.
In the Midwest, Missouri is particularly renowned for morel foraging near freshly dead elm trees. These trees often reside along streams, near wetlands, or around disturbed soils such as farmlands. So, if you're in Missouri, head to these areas and keep an eye out for the distinctive characteristics of dead elm trees.
In addition to elm trees, morels can also be found near other types of trees, such as apple trees, ash trees, and tulip poplars. Abandoned orchards with a mix of dead and dying trees are often consistent spots for morel foraging. However, use caution when foraging in these areas due to the potential presence of harsh chemicals.
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Mushrooms grow at different elevations at different times of the year
Foraging for mushrooms can be intimidating, especially with the fear of consuming poisonous mushrooms. While only about two Americans are killed by consuming poisonous mushrooms each year, hundreds suffer from mild gastrointestinal distress to liver failure from eating "bad" mushrooms. Therefore, it is important to be 100% sure that a mushroom is safe to eat before consuming it.
Mushrooms can be foraged at different elevations and during different seasons. For instance, if you're looking for chanterelles, you'll want to look in mixed hardwood forests, in the late spring through late summer or early fall. Chanterelles are brightly coloured, ranging from orange-yellow to pale gold, and are funnel-shaped. They are also prized for their flavour and can be quite expensive to buy. Another mushroom that is good for beginners is the oyster mushroom, which can be found on standing dead trees or logs in the fall and spring, and sometimes even in winter.
The king bolete, also called porcini, penny bun, and squirrel’s bread, is another mushroom that can be foraged. While it has no poisonous look-alikes, it may be confused with the jack-o-lantern mushroom, which is bright orange with true gills, unlike chanterelles, which have false gills.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to be aware of the environment in which they thrive. Mushrooms typically grow best in a moisture-rich environment around fallen trees or in pastures. They flourish in waves, and a whole new round could appear in as little as a few days after rainfall.
It is also important to note that a permit may be required to forage on government land, especially U.S. Forest Service land. Forest Service ranger stations can provide maps highlighting the areas that are okay for picking.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be found in nearly every region across the United States, except for the dry, desert area of the Southwest. The Pacific Northwest, the Cascade Mountains, and Missouri are known for their foraging potential. Chanterelles, for example, can be found in mossy coniferous forests and mountainous birch forests.
Mushrooms thrive in moist, damp, humid conditions, so it's best to go foraging after a heavy rain. Look out for sloping trails that lead down towards a creek, swamp, or bog. Keep your eyes on the ground, scanning the forest floor and tree trunks for mushrooms.
Yes, you can join a mushroom foraging group on social media where you can post pictures of mushrooms for identification. You could also join the Sonoma County Mycological Association (SOMA) and attend one of their mushroom hikes or foraging events.
Mushrooms grow at different elevations during different times of the year, so it's worth exploring a variety of locations. They can often be found near freshly dead elm trees.
