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 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
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
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
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
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
