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Fungi

Quick Reference Mushroom Guide

Discover a wide array of mushrooms from around the world, each with its own unique flavor profile and culinary uses.

Whether you're looking for earthy porcinis, delicate chanterelles, or meaty shiitakes, our selection has something for every palate.

Explore the diverse shapes, sizes, and colors of these fungi to elevate your dishes to new heights.

Where to look

Where to look

Different species grow in different types of environments.

Forests are always a good starting place, though, with a wide range of species that grow in them.

If you’re after something specific, you can use our reference guide below to help you out.

Get to know your mushrooms

Chanterelle

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in summer timesummer

Golden-yellow, funnel-shaped mushroom with false gills

Important Notice:Has toxic look-alikes - learn proper identification

Morel

  • This mushroom is toxictoxic
  • This mushroom is best in spring timespring

Distinctive honeycomb-like cap structure

Important Notice:Has toxic look-alikes - learn proper identification

Chicken of the woods

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in summer timesummer

Bright orange bracket fungus with yellow edges

Important Notice: Avoid if growing on certain tree species

Deathcap

  • This mushroom is toxictoxic
  • This mushroom is best in summer timesummer

Pale green to white cap with white gills

Important Notice: Extremely toxic - study for safety awareness

Oyster Mushroom

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in fall timefall

Fan-shaped caps growing in clusters

Important Notice: Great beginner mushroom, few look-alikes

Lions Mane

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in fall timefall

White, shaggy appearance like a lion's mane

Important Notice:No toxic look-alikes

Destroying Angel

  • This mushroom is toxictoxic
  • This mushroom is best in summer timefall

Pure white mushroom with a sack-like base

Important Notice:Deadly toxic - study for safety awareness

King Bollette

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in summer timesummer

Large brown cap with thick stem

Important Notice:Learn to distinguish from similar species

Shaggy Mane

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in fall timefall

Tall white mushroom with shaggy scales

Important Notice:: Must be harvested and eaten quickly

Maitake

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in fall timefall

Large, feathery clusters with overlapping gray-brown caps

Important Notice:: Also known as Hen of the Woods - no toxic look-alikes

False Morel

  • This mushroom is toxictoxic
  • This mushroom is best in spring timespring

Brain-like, reddish-brown cap with irregular shape

Important Notice:: Brain-like, reddish-brown cap with irregular shape

Matsutake

  • This mushroom is edibleedible
  • This mushroom is best in fall timefall

White to brown cap with thick stem and distinct spicy aroma

Important Notice:: erify identification - has toxic look-alikes

FAQ

a basket full of a viarity of wild mushrooms

What do I need to start mushroom foraging?

You'll need a local field guide, a sharp knife or scissors, a basket or mesh bag for collecting, and paper bags for separating specimens. Bring a small brush for cleaning, wear sturdy boots, and carry a GPS device or compass to track your location. A camera is also helpful to document your finds.

A wild mushroom on top of a page in a mushroom identification book, giving detailed information about that mushroom

How can I identify edible mushrooms?

Learn from experienced foragers and reliable guidebooks – never rely on apps alone. Study each mushroom's specific features like cap shape, gill structure, stem characteristics, and spore prints. Start with easily identifiable species that have no poisonous lookalikes, and never eat anything unless you're completely certain of its identification.

A mushroom under a pile of leaves, with only one side of it visible

Where can I find foraging spots?

Look in deciduous forests, especially near oak and maple trees, and in damp, shaded areas. Fallen logs and dead trees are often productive spots. Only forage on public lands where it's allowed, and always check local regulations. Remember to get permission for private property and keep your best locations private to prevent over-harvesting.

A white stemmed mushroom, with a bright orange cap with white spots

What are the best seasons for mushroom foraging?

Spring is ideal for morels, late summer brings chanterelles and boletes, and fall is peak season for most mushrooms including oysters and hen of the woods. Some species can even be found in winter, especially in milder climates. Each season offers different varieties, so year-round foraging is possible.