The surprising world of mushrooms
Mushrooms are the visible part of a larger, underground network called mycelium, which acts as a communication and resource-sharing system in forests. They are powerful decomposers, breaking down organic matter to recycle nutrients, and can even be used to break down pollutants. Fungi exhibit surprising abilities like “remembering” optimal routes, using electrical signals, and being used in science and technology to create sustainable materials.
Never rely on one source for mushroom identification, and never eat anything unless you are 100% sure it is edible. We will not be held responsible for the use of the information in this guide.
Mushrooms have served many purposes, from benefiting diets, to being used as medicine. In this podcast episode, we dig deeper in to their uses.
To identify a mushroom from specific characteristics please use our search
The surprising world of mushrooms
Clustered Domecap
Clustered Domecap Edible Autumn Summer This is a large, frequent, and edible mushroom noted for its groups of ten or more
Chicken Of The Woods
Chicken Of The Woods Edible Summer Spring Edible Summer Spring Great in stews and casseroles in place of chicken, stir fries
Blackening Polypore
Blackening Polypore Edible Autumn Summer The blackening polypore (Meripilus sumstinei or M. giganteus), also known as the
Bearded Milkcap
Bearded Milkcap Poisonous Autumn Summer The Bearded Milkcap, scientifically known as Lactarius pubescens, is a medium-sized
Weeping Widow
Weeping Widow Inedible Autumn Summer Unlike the name suggests the Weeping Widow is not a poisonous mushroom but has a bitter
Ugly Milkcap
Ugly Milkcap Inedible Autumn Summer Lactarius turpis is a Eurasian species of fungus, commonly known as the ugly milk-cap
The Deceiver
The Deceiver Edible Autumn Summer Laccaria laccata, commonly known as the deceiver, lackluster laccaria, or waxy laccaria
Saffron Milkcap
Saffron Milkcap Edible Autumn Summer Saffron Milkcap, scientifically known as Lactarius deliciosus, is a highly prized edible
Lilac Fibrecap
Lilac Fibrecap Poisonous Autumn Summer The Lilac Fibrecap (Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina) is a toxic mushroom commonly
Fenugreek Milkcap
Fenugreek Milkcap Poisonous Autumn Summer The Fenugreek Milkcap (Lactarius helvus) is a medium-sized mushroom known for