Lately, I've received a number of emails asking me about oyster mushroom identification. The most recent one came in early December from a reader named Tracey. She writes: Wondering if you could help me. I| Mushroom Appreciation
This site is devoted to all who are curious about mushrooms and the fungi kingdom. Foraging, edible mushroom species, weird and wacky fungi, and the complexities of species and genus designation, you'll find it all| Mushroom Appreciation
The blushing rosette mushroom (Abortiporus biennis) is a weird and wild mushroom. It's not edible, but it is a super neat find. You may find it in its normal polypore form, or in its aborted form, which is wildly different. There has been a lot of confusion over the years with this species (and other Abortiporus species) due to this extreme difference in appearance. They do not look like they could even remotely be the same species, but the fungi world really does love to bring out the surpri...| Mushroom Appreciation
The veiled polypore (Cryptoporus volvatus) looks like a white blob popping out of a conifer tree. It looks like a little puffball, except it's hard and often shiny. It's hard to tell it's even a fungus at all, at first glance. This species causes lots of confusion, even among experienced foragers.| Mushroom Appreciation
The yellow earth tongue (Spathularia flavida) is small, but it really stands out because it has a yellow, spatula-shaped body. This little mushroom, just 2-5 inches in height, and looks exactly like its common name — a thin yellow tongue sticking out from the earth. Maybe this is a sign of Mother Nature's sense of humor?| Mushroom Appreciation
If you’ve found this weird and wonderful wild edible mushroom, you’re in for a treat. Shrimp of the woods mushrooms are a top favorite for many foragers. It looks like an all-white version of an ocean shrimp and has a dense texture and lightly seafood-esque taste.| Mushroom Appreciation
The hairy oyster mushroom (Panus neostrigosus or Lentinus strigosus) fruits on logs and stumps across North America and around the world. It easily catches the eye because the cap is strangely fuzzy and distinctly purplish-red when young, although the color later fades. Hairy oyster mushrooms break down dead hardwood and play a vital role in forest ecosystems. These are not edible mushrooms, but only because they don't taste good and are very tough. They are not toxic.| Mushroom Appreciation
Going out in the woods wild mushroom foraging requires some basic mushroom knowledge, the right equipment, and being prepared. Learn how to forage wild edible mushrooms safely.| Mushroom Appreciation
There’s a lot of weird in the fungi world, and Hypomyces fungi are the source of a lot of funky happenings. Hypomyces species essentially hijack their fungal hosts, altering their appearance so dramatically that identifying the original mushroom becomes nearly impossible. They are parasites that attack and transform other mushrooms into something totally different from […]| Mushroom Appreciation
Shaggy mane mushrooms are an excellent edible wild mushroom, but you need to act quickly. The moment you spot them in the wild, make a plan, or pass them by. They need to be prepared or stored within 2-4 hours (preferably less) before they start to break down and spoil. Very quickly, these mushrooms will turn into a black, inky mess in your refrigerator. You must cook them right away or clean and freeze them.| Mushroom Appreciation
The chicken of the woods mushroom is vibrantly beautiful and fascinating to boot. Many people also consider it a delicacy! Learn more about here, including identification and cooking information.| Mushroom Appreciation
Honey mushrooms are a regular fall wild edible mushroom that often fruits in massive colonies. When you come across the honey mushroom, you may find you have more than you know what to do with! Honies have an earthy, distinctive flavor that makes them one of the best fall mushrooms you can find—if you’re quick...Read More| Mushroom Appreciation
If you ever want to start a riot in a mushroom community, ask what the best mushroom harvesting method is -- should they be pulled up or cut? Folks get riled up! It's a question a lot of people have, with good reason. The underlying issue is about the overall health of the mushroom patch, People want to know and care deeply about which method causes the least harm to the underground mycelium (the mushroom's "roots"). And people have very big feelings around the right way to pick mushrooms.| Mushroom Appreciation
Hen of the woods is lovingly called the “dancing mushroom” because when you find one, you might just be inspired to do a little jig in the woods. This mushroom is one of the absolute best wild edible mushroom species. It has a rich, umami flavor, firm, dense texture, and is extremely adaptable for countless recipes.| Mushroom Appreciation
Have you ever spotted a tiny mushroom growing directly from a pine cone? The pinecone mushroom (Auriscalpium vulgare) is a tiny treasure of the forest. It resembles a miniature periscope popping up from a buried pinecone submarine. This minuscule mushroom is easy to overlook (you really have to be looking!) and is always a treat to actually find.| Mushroom Appreciation
Wine cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugoso-annulata) are a fantastic species to cultivate, especially for beginners. Often referred to as the "garden giant" due to their large size, these mushrooms have beautiful wine-colored caps and a robust| Mushroom Appreciation
The chip cherry mushroom (Leratiomyces ceres) is an interesting species. No one seems to know with certainty where it originated. It grows in mulch and has a worldwide distribution, but an unknown original source. It is not an extremely common species, but when it shows up, it’s hard to miss! Its cap is a bright cherry-red (hence the name!) and it fruits in big groupings.| Mushroom Appreciation
Angel wing mushrooms (Pleurocybella porrigens) are a problematic wild species that closely resemble oyster mushrooms. There are some key differences to make it simple to differentiate them, but you have to be aware of them| Mushroom Appreciation
Substrate is the growing material (growing medium) used in cultivating mushrooms. Your mushroom substrate choice is a huge determiner for your cultivation success. Learn about all the options and how to choose the best one.| Mushroom Appreciation
