Emily Johnson
Mushrooms can be found in a variety of locations, from forests and wooded areas to meadows and even your own backyard. They thrive in moist, shady spots, often on north-facing slopes, near creeks, swamps, or bogs. When searching for mushrooms, it is essential to learn about their habitat and growth patterns, as well as safety measures to identify edible varieties. While some prefer to keep their favourite mushroom spots a secret, there are now apps and online tools that can help you find mushrooms in your region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Chanterelles, Morels, Black morels, Half-frees, Grays, Yellows, Whites, Giants |
| Mushroom habitat | Mossy coniferous forests, mountainous birch forests, forests with apple, elm, ash, tulip, cottonwood, poplar, aspen, grand fir, Douglas fir, oak trees |
| Weather conditions | Above-freezing temperatures for at least seven days, rain, 50-degree temperatures at night |
| Soil conditions | Moist, proper temperature |
| Tools | Precipitation maps, forest type maps, tree maps, bug spray |
| Other | Look under logs, on the southern side of trees, in areas with high foot traffic, near roads, in burn areas, in national parks, state parks, national forests |
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What You'll Learn
In forests, on the ground or on trees
Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, on the ground, and on trees. Here are some tips for spotting mushrooms in these locations:
In Forests
When searching for mushrooms in forests, it's important to know what type of mushrooms you are looking for. Different mushrooms prefer different habitats, so do your research beforehand. Chanterelles, for example, are known to grow in mossy coniferous forests and mountainous birch forests. You can use apps like All Trails to find trails where people have spotted mushrooms. Additionally, joining local mycological associations or checking Facebook groups and iNaturalist can help you connect with other mushroom enthusiasts and learn about potential foraging spots.
On the Ground
When exploring forests, slowly walk the trails, scanning the ground and deadwood for mushrooms. Keep your eyes open for plants as well, so you don't get discouraged if you don't find mushrooms right away. Cow pastures early in the morning, just before dawn, can be a good place to start your search.
On Trees
Mushrooms that grow on trees can be saprotrophic, parasitic, or mycorrhizal. Saprotrophic mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, feed on dead and decaying wood and are commonly found on dead trees, stumps, and branches. Parasitic mushrooms, such as maitake and chaga, grow on living trees and can be found at the base or on the trunks of their host trees. Maitake is commonly found at the base of oak trees, while chaga is often seen on birch tree trunks in cold climates. Mycorrhizal mushrooms form symbiotic relationships with living trees and can be found growing around the base of trees, interacting with their roots.
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In fields, on animal dung
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can grow in a variety of substrates, including animal dung. This may not seem like an appealing material for mushrooms to thrive in, but there are several mushroom species that flourish in the nutrient-dense environment of animal manure. These mushrooms are known as coprophilous fungi, meaning "dung-loving" in reference to their ability to grow in faeces. They play a vital role in the natural world, supporting both plant and animal organisms in an intricate web of interdependence.
Coprophilous fungi grow in animal manure, specifically that of herbivores, as bacteria are largely responsible for the breakdown of carnivore and omnivore dung. Dung from herbivores, such as rabbits, deer, cattle, horses, and sheep, provides an environment rich in nitrogenous material and various enzymes from the animal's digestive system. The spores of coprophilous fungi are hardy and can survive the journey through an animal's digestive enzymes. These spores are consumed by herbivores from vegetation and are then excreted along with the plant matter. The spores remain in the animal as the plants are digested, passing through the intestines and eventually being defecated.
Once the spores are released from their dung-inhabiting fruiting bodies, they fall onto grass and leaves, ready to germinate. The thick walls of the spores are broken down during digestion, preparing them for germination once they are deposited with the animal's droppings. The sequence of fruiting body appearances reflects the speed of mycelial growth and how quickly a mycelium can accumulate enough resources to produce fruiting bodies. Some species have developed means of discharging spores over large distances, such as the genus Pilobolus.
While most edible mushrooms are cultivated on wood-based substrates, some of the most popular culinary mushrooms are grown in manure. Almost every edible mushroom that grows in manure belongs to the Agaricus family, but some can be quite poisonous. It is important to note that not all types of manure equally meet the growth requirements of coprophilous fungi. For example, Coprinus radiatus and Panaeolus campanulatus exclusively prefer the growing conditions of horse dung due to its higher acidity and quicker decomposition.
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In parks
Mushroom-spotting in parks can be a rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of fungi. While some parks, like the aptly named Mushroom Park in Ann Arbor, feature concrete mushroom structures, others boast an array of wild mushrooms worth discovering.
In the United States, the National Park Service offers a glimpse into the diverse world of mushrooms. For example, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is known for its stark white netted stinkhorn mushrooms, which, despite their foul odour, are intriguing to observe. The New River Gorge National River is another hotspot, with 53 species of fungi identified, including the striking violet coral mushroom with its purple branches. The Gauley River National Recreation Area is also worth exploring, with 39 species of fungi, including the yellow unicorn mushroom, aptly named for its horn-like feature.
When exploring national parks, it's important to remember that collecting or disturbing mushrooms is often prohibited. These regulations are in place to preserve the natural environment and ensure that all visitors can enjoy the beauty of these fungi. However, some parks may allow the collection of small amounts of edible mushrooms for personal use. Before venturing out, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the rules of the specific park you plan to visit.
To aid in mushroom identification, apps such as iNaturalist are invaluable tools. They allow you to share photos and locations of the fungi you encounter, contributing to a growing database of mushroom sightings. This community-driven approach helps identify and verify species, filling in the gaps in our understanding of fungal diversity in parks.
So, the next time you're out in a park, keep your eyes peeled for these magical mushrooms. Remember to respect their role in the ecosystem and follow any guidelines to ensure their preservation for future generations to admire.
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In your backyard
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and their presence in your backyard indicates that fungal networks, known as mycelium, are decomposing organic matter in the soil. The appearance of mushrooms can be sudden and puzzling, but they are typically harmless and play an important role in your backyard ecosystem.
If you have mushrooms in your backyard, it usually means the conditions are right for the underground fungus to reproduce. The soil has enough food for the mycelium, and the temperature and humidity levels are suitable for the fungus to fruit. Mushrooms need an environment rich in organic matter, such as buried wood, old tree stumps, decaying leaf mulch, pet waste, and other rotting organic matter, to thrive. They also require damp, humid conditions and can often be seen popping up after heavy rains or in areas with poor drainage.
While most backyard mushrooms are harmless, some can be poisonous. It is important to properly identify mushrooms before touching or consuming them. Common poisonous mushrooms, such as Amanita, have rings and a volva at the bottom of their stems. Mushrooms with red on their caps or stems are also typically poisonous or hallucinogenic. If you are uncertain about the identification of a mushroom, it is best to seek expert advice.
There are several ways to manage and prevent mushroom growth in your backyard. Reducing moisture by avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage can help limit their growth. Mowing or pulling mushrooms can prevent them from spreading spores and attracting children or pets. Removing rotting organic material, such as wood and leaves, can also reduce the food sources for fungi. However, it is important to note that completely eliminating mushrooms from your backyard may be challenging, and they often play a beneficial role in creating healthy soil.
Some common mushrooms found growing in backyards include the ringless honey mushroom, which is common in urban yards in late summer to fall. They have dry honey-colored caps on long stems and grow in clusters at the base of trees or stumps. Milky conecaps, also known as white dunce caps, are classic lawn mushrooms that pop up in short, frequently mowed grass.
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Indoors, in warehouses or basements
Mushrooms can be grown indoors in a variety of spaces, from small closets to large warehouses. The space required depends on the scale of mushroom production and can include retrofitted rooms, garages, basements, or buildings specifically designed for mushroom cultivation.
When growing mushrooms indoors, it is essential to maintain optimal environmental conditions for the specific mushroom species being cultivated. This involves regulating temperature, humidity, light, and airflow within the growing space. Most specialty mushrooms thrive in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setups. The growth process can be divided into stages, with the first stage requiring consistent temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. During this initial phase, the mycelium grows through the substrate, drawing energy and nutrients from it.
Once the incubation period is complete, the fruiting stage can be induced by altering the temperature, humidity, light, and airflow. Each mushroom species has unique requirements during this fruiting stage to ensure successful cultivation. Therefore, it is crucial to match the environmental conditions to the specific needs of the mushroom variety being grown.
The success of indoor mushroom cultivation also depends on the grower's climate, location, seasonal temperature variations, and the insulation of the building to mitigate temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the tasks performed by the grower and the choice of growing their mushrooms from blocks or using pre-made blocks can impact the outcome.
An example of successful indoor mushroom cultivation is Robin Moore's MyCo Planet, which started in her basement and expanded into a custom warehouse. MyCo Planet now supplies mushrooms to over 40 restaurants and 20 grocery stores in the Kansas City area.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be found in forests, near roads, trails, and public sidewalks. They are often found in areas with high precipitation and the right soil temperature. You can use maps and apps like Mushroom Spot, All Trails, and iNaturalist to find spots near you.
Mushrooms often grow in areas with disturbances such as old fires, forest management activities, roads, and trails. They can also be found in mossy coniferous forests, mountainous birch forests, and near specific tree species like apple, elm, ash, tulip, and cottonwood trees.
The appearance of mushrooms depends on the weather and soil temperature. Black morels, for example, usually appear at the end of April or beginning of May, after seven straight days of above-freezing temperatures and some rain.
Look for areas with high precipitation and the right soil temperature. Mushrooms often grow near specific tree species, so consult tree maps. Additionally, use apps like Mushroom Spot to find spots near you and share locations with fellow mushroom enthusiasts.
