PA Mushrooms: Edible vs. Poisonous? Don't Get It Wrong!

Pennsylvania's diverse ecosystem, particularly its rich forests, creates a fertile ground for a wide array of fungi. Mushroom identification apps serve as valuable tools, helping enthusiasts differentiate between edible and toxic species. The Pennsylvania Mycological Society provides resources and education, emphasizing responsible foraging practices to prevent accidental poisoning. Understanding the unique characteristics of Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is crucial when identifying mushrooms of pennsylvania, as it is among the most deadly. Navigating this world requires caution, but with the right knowledge, appreciating the mushrooms of Pennsylvania can be a safe and rewarding experience.

Image taken from the YouTube channel TRUE CRIME DECLASSIFIED , from the video titled What Did Erin Patterson REALLY Do With Those Mushrooms? .

Navigating the Fungi Forest: A Guide to Pennsylvania Mushrooms

Understanding which mushrooms are safe to eat and which can cause harm is crucial for anyone foraging in Pennsylvania. This guide will help you identify common mushrooms of Pennsylvania, differentiating between edible and poisonous varieties. Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! Never consume a mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.

Understanding Mushroom Identification

Mushroom identification is complex. Relying solely on visual characteristics can be misleading, as similar-looking mushrooms can have drastically different properties. Microscopic features, spore prints, and chemical tests are sometimes required for accurate identification. This guide provides general guidelines, but professional consultation with a mycologist or experienced forager is always recommended.

Key Features to Observe

When identifying mushrooms, pay close attention to these characteristics:

• Cap: Shape, color, texture (smooth, scaly, sticky), size.
• Gills/Pores: Color, attachment to the stem (free, attached, decurrent), spacing. Does it have gills, pores, or teeth underneath?
• Stem (Stipe): Color, texture (smooth, scaly, fibrous), presence of a ring (annulus) or volva (sac-like structure at the base).
• Spore Print: Color of the spores when deposited on a dark surface (e.g., black paper) or a light surface (e.g., white paper). To obtain a spore print, place the cap gills-down on the chosen surface, cover with a bowl, and wait several hours.
• Habitat: Where the mushroom is growing (e.g., in a forest, in a field, on wood).
• Odor: Smell of the mushroom (e.g., almond, radish, unpleasant).

Edible Mushrooms of Pennsylvania

Here are some commonly found edible mushrooms in Pennsylvania. It’s important to note that proper identification takes experience and careful observation. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushroom.

Common Edible Varieties

• Morels (Morchella spp.): These distinctive mushrooms have a honeycomb-like cap and are highly prized by foragers. They typically appear in the spring. Be cautious of false morels, which can cause gastrointestinal distress.

  • Distinguishing Features: Hollow stem, pitted cap, spring fruiting.
  • Habitat: Forests, often near ash, elm, or apple trees.

• Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.): Known for their fruity aroma and vibrant yellow to orange color, chanterelles have false gills (ridges instead of true gills) that run down the stem.

  You also like

  PA Symbols: Uncover Secrets of Pennsylvania! 60 Char
  • Distinguishing Features: False gills, fruity smell, funnel-shaped cap.
  • Habitat: Woodlands, often under oak or beech trees.

• Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.): These shelf-like mushrooms typically grow on decaying wood and come in various colors, including white, gray, and brown.

  You also like

  PA Couple's Getaways: The Secret to Rekindling Romance
  • Distinguishing Features: Grows on wood, fan-shaped cap, decurrent gills.
  • Habitat: Decaying hardwood logs and trees.

• Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus): This bright orange and yellow shelf fungus grows on trees and has a meaty texture.

  • Distinguishing Features: Grows in shelves on trees, bright orange/yellow color.
  • Habitat: Decaying hardwood trees, particularly oak.

Edible Mushroom Identification Table

Poisonous Mushrooms of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is also home to several poisonous mushrooms that can cause serious illness or even death. Learning to recognize these species is crucial.

Common Poisonous Varieties

• Death Cap (Amanita phalloides): This highly poisonous mushroom contains amatoxins, which can cause irreversible liver damage. It is responsible for the majority of mushroom-related fatalities worldwide.

  • Distinguishing Features: Greenish-yellow cap, white gills, ring on the stem, volva at the base.
  • Habitat: Woodlands, often under oak trees.

• Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera): Similar in appearance to the Death Cap, the Destroying Angel is another deadly mushroom containing amatoxins. It is pure white in color.

  • Distinguishing Features: Pure white cap, white gills, ring on the stem, volva at the base.
  • Habitat: Woodlands.

• Galerina (Galerina marginata): This small, brown mushroom grows on wood and contains amatoxins. It is often mistaken for edible mushrooms such as honey mushrooms.

  • Distinguishing Features: Brown cap, brown gills, ring on the stem, grows on wood.
  • Habitat: Decaying wood.

• Jack O'Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus olearius): This orange mushroom grows in clusters on wood and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. It is sometimes mistaken for chanterelles.

  • Distinguishing Features: Orange color, grows in clusters on wood, bioluminescent gills (glow in the dark).
  • Habitat: Decaying wood, particularly oak.

Poisonous Mushroom Identification Table

Further Resources

• Local Mycological Societies: Joining a local mycological society is a great way to learn from experienced foragers and participate in guided mushroom walks.
• Mushroom Identification Books: Field guides specifically for Pennsylvania mushrooms can be valuable resources.
• University Extension Services: Many university extension services offer information and workshops on mushroom identification.

Video: PA Mushrooms: Edible vs. Poisonous? Don't Get It Wrong!

Play Video