8 Common Mushrooms In Florida
Mushrooms are a great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Many people enjoy eating mushrooms for their nutritional benefits, flavor, and texture. Not only do these fungi grow in different parts of the world, but they come in many varied shapes and colors as well.
By reading this blog post, you will have a better understanding of which mushrooms are found in Florida, where to find them and what to do with them if you decide to cook or eat them.
[Related Article: Common Mushrooms in Georgia]
1. Indigo Milk-Cap
The Indigo Milk-Cap is a common mushroom found in Florida. It gets its name from its blue color, which is caused by the presence of indigo pigment in the cap.
This mushroom is edible, but it can cause stomach upset if eaten raw. The best way to eat this mushroom is to cook it first.
2. Cinnabar Chanterelle
The Cinnabar Chanterelle is a common mushroom found in Florida. This type of mushroom is characterized by its red color and its funnel-like shape.
The Cinnabar Chanterelle is often found growing on logs or in other decaying wood. This mushroom is edible, but it is important to note that it should not be consumed raw. When cooked, the Cinnabar Chanterelle has a slightly sweet flavor.
3. Ringless Honey Mushroom
The Ringless Honey Mushroom is a common mushroom found in Florida. This mushroom gets its name from its color, which is similar to that of honey.
The Ringless Honey Mushroom is also known as the Golden Honey Mushroom or the Yellow Honey Mushroom. This mushroom can be found growing on trees, stumps, and logs. The Ringless Honey Mushroom is edible and has a sweet taste.
4. Florida Bolete
The Florida Bolete is a common mushroom found in the state of Florida. This type of mushroom is typically found growing on the ground, and often near trees or logs.
The Florida Bolete has a brown cap with white pores on the underside. These mushrooms can range in size from small to large, and are typically 2-10 inches in diameter.
The stem of the Florida Bolete is white, and may have a reddish tint near the base. This type of mushroom is edible, and has a nutty flavor. When cooked, the Florida Bolete should be eaten with caution as it may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
5. Grisette Mushroom
The Grisette Mushroom is a common mushroom found in Florida. This type of mushroom is small and has a grayish color. The Grisette Mushroom is often mistaken for the poisonous variety, so it’s important to be able to identify it.
The easiest way to identify a Grisette Mushroom is by its size. This mushroom is much smaller than the average mushroom, only reaching about four inches in height.
It also has a very distinctive grayish color. If you see a mushroom that matches this description, it’s likely a Grisette Mushroom.
Another way to identify a Grisette Mushroom is by its habitat. This mushroom typically grows in areas with high humidity, such as near swamps or in forests.
If you find a mushroom growing in one of these habitats, it’s likely a Grisette Mushroom.
If you’re unsure whether or not a mushroom is a Grisette Mushroom, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating it. These mushrooms are not poisonous, but they can cause gastrointestinal distress if eaten in large quantities.
Poisonous Mushrooms In Florida
Some mushrooms that are found in Florida can be quite poisonous. In this section, we will discuss some of the most poisonous mushrooms that are found in Florida.
6. Destroying Angel
The Destroying Angel is a common mushroom found in Florida. This mushroom gets its name from the fact that it is deadly poisonous. The Destroying Angel is white with a smooth cap and can grow to be about 6 inches tall.
This mushroom typically grows in woods or fields and often appears in clusters.
The Destroying Angel contains amatoxin, which is a poison that attacks the liver and kidneys. This poison is not destroyed by cooking, so it is important to be very careful when handling this mushroom.
If you think you have ingested the Destroying Angel, seek medical help immediately as there is no antidote for amatoxin poisoning.
7. Jack O’Lanterns
If you’re looking for a common mushroom to find in Florida, the Jack O’Lantern is a good one to look for! This type of mushroom is typically found in wooded areas and typically grows on trees.
While they can be found in other parts of the country, they are most commonly found in the southeastern United States.
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom gets its name from its orange coloration and its spooky appearance. These mushrooms are often used as decorations for Halloween due to their scary look!
While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing mushrooms, they are still fun to find when you’re out exploring nature.
If you do come across a Jack O’Lantern mushroom, be sure not to touch it or eat it as they are poisonous to humans. However, if you’re just looking to take a photo of this spooky mushroom, feel free to do so!
8. Deadly Galerina
The Deadly Galerina is a type of mushroom that is commonly found in Florida. This mushroom is extremely poisonous and can be fatal if ingested.
The Deadly Galerina contains a toxin that can cause liver failure and death. If you come across this mushroom, it is important to avoid it at all costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different types of mushrooms that are common in Florida. Some of these mushrooms are edible, while others are not. It is important to be able to identify the different types of mushrooms in Florida so that you know which ones are safe to eat.
