7 Common Mushrooms in Georgia
If you’re an outdoorsy person, then you know that Georgia is a great place to hike and camp. But did you know that there are also eight common mushrooms found in the state?
This article will introduce you to some of the most popular mushrooms among Georgians.
[Related Article: 5 Common Mushrooms In Idaho]
1. Golden Chanterelle
The Golden Chanterelle is a common mushroom in Georgia. This type of mushroom typically grows in the spring and summer months, and can be found in wooded areas.
The Golden Chanterelle is characterized by its yellow color and trumpet-shaped cap. This mushroom is edible, and has a slightly fruity smell. When cooked, the Golden Chanterelle can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces.
[Related Article: 2 Types Of red mushrooms in Georgia]
2. Old-Man-of-the-Woods
Old-Man-of-the-Woods is a common mushroom found in Georgia. This large, white fungus gets its name from its resemblance to an old man’s face.
The Old-Man-of-the-Woods is found growing on the ground in woods or areas with lots of trees. This mushroom is edible, but should be cooked before eating because it can cause stomach upset if eaten raw.
[Related Article: 4 Types Of Orange Mushrooms In Georgia]
3. Wood-Ear
Wood-ear mushrooms are a common type of mushroom found in Georgia. These mushrooms are dark brown or black in color and have a ear-like shape. Wood-ear mushrooms are often used in Asian cuisine, as they have a chewy texture and mild flavor.
Wood-ear mushrooms can be found growing on dead or dying trees. These fungi help to decompose the wood, which is an important part of the forest ecosystem.
Wood-ear mushrooms are edible, but should be cooked before eating as they can contain harmful bacteria.
If you find wood-ear mushrooms while out hiking, you can take them home and cook them up for a tasty treat! Just be sure to wash them well and cook them thoroughly before consuming.
4. Pecan Truffle
The Pecan Truffle is a common mushroom in Georgia that can be found growing on the roots of pecan trees. This type of truffle is small and brown, with a nutty flavor that makes it popular for use in cooking.
While the Pecan Truffle is not poisonous, it is not considered to be edible due to its tough texture.
5. Macrocybe Titanss
Macrocybe Titanis a common mushroom found in Georgia. This type of mushroom is large and can grow up to two feet in diameter. The stem of this mushroom is also very thick, making it difficult to cut through.
The cap of the Macrocybe Titans is usually brown or tan in color and has small scales on the surface. The gills of this mushroom are white and close together.
This type of mushroom is considered to be edible, but some people may experience gastrointestinal distress after consuming it.
6. False Parasol
The false parasol mushroom is a common mushroom found in Georgia. This mushroom gets its name from its Parasol-like shape. The false parasol mushroom can grow to be up to 12 inches tall and has a brownish-red cap.
The false parasol mushroom is poisonous to humans and can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten.
7. Deadly Galerina
The Deadly Galerina is a common mushroom in Georgia. This mushroom is small, brown and often grows in clusters. It is important to be aware of this mushroom as it is poisonous to humans and can be fatal if ingested.
The Deadly Galerina contains amatoxins which are toxic to the liver and can cause death within 3-5 days. Symptoms of amatoxin poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and jaundice.
If you think you have consumed a Deadly Galerina mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as there is no antidote for this poison.
If you are out hiking or camping in Georgia, take care to avoid any mushrooms that resemble the Deadly Galerina. If you are unsure about a mushroom, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the most common mushrooms that you can find in Georgia. While many of these mushrooms are edible, some of them are poisonous and can cause severe illness or death if ingested.
As such, it is important to be able to identify these mushrooms and know which ones are safe to eat. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution
