Our mushroom identification guide will help you identify the different types of mushrooms that you can find in Missouri.
So if you want to try some delicious and nutritious mushrooms, be sure to read our guide first!
1. Puffballs
Puffballs are a type of mushroom that is commonly found in Missouri. These mushrooms have a round shape and are typically white or cream-colored.
Puffballs are edible, but they must be cooked before eating. Some people say that puffballs taste like chicken or potatoes.
Puffballs can be found growing on the ground in wooded areas or grassy fields. They typically appear in the late summer or early fall.
If you are out hiking or walking in nature, keep an eye out for these mushrooms!
If you decide to cook with puffballs, be sure to slice them open first and check for any insects that may be inside.
Once you have cleaned the mushroom, it can be chopped up and added to soups, stews, stir-fries, or casseroles.
Puffballs can also be breaded and fried like chicken nuggets. So next time you’re out exploring nature, don’t forget to keep an eye out for these delicious mushrooms!
2. Shaggy Mane
The Shaggy Mane is a very common mushroom found in Missouri.
It gets its name from the shaggy, white scales that cover its cap. The caps of these mushrooms are usually about 3-6 inches in diameter and are convex in shape.
The gills of the Shaggy Mane are also white and close together.
These mushrooms can be found growing on lawns, in woods, or even on dung.
The Shaggy Mane is a very popular edible mushroom.
It can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. When cooked, the Shaggy Mane has a very delicate flavor that is similar to anise. This mushroom is also high in protein and fiber.
3. Chanterelles
Chanterelles are a type of edible mushroom that is commonly found in Missouri.
These mushrooms have a unique flavor that many people enjoy, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways.
While chanterelles are generally considered safe to eat, there are a few things you should know before you go out and start picking them.
For starters, it’s important to identify chanterelles correctly.
There are many types of mushrooms that look similar to chanterelles, but some of them are poisonous.
If you’re not sure whether or not a mushroom is a chanterelle, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave it be.
It’s also a good idea to consult with an expert before eating any wild mushrooms, just to be safe.
Once you’ve properly identified a chanterelle, the next step is to clean it before cooking.
Chanterelles can often be quite dirty, so it’s important to give them a good rinse before using them.
You can then cook them however you like – many people enjoy sautéing them in butter or oil, but they can also be used in soups, stews, and other dishes.
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique ingredient for your next meal, consider giving chanterelles a try. Just make sure you know what you’re doing before you start picking them!
4. Morels
Morels are a type of mushroom that is common in Missouri.
These mushrooms have a spongy texture and a nutty flavor. Morels are often used in soups and stews, or they can be cooked on their own as a side dish.
Morels grow best in moist environments, so they are often found near streams or other bodies of water.
These mushrooms can be difficult to find, but they are worth the effort!
Morels should be cooked before eating, as they can contain toxins that can make you sick if eaten raw.
If you’re lucky enough to find some morels, be sure to cook them properly before enjoying.
These mushrooms make a great addition to any meal, and they’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
5. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom that is native to North America.
These mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, and they are gaining popularity in the Western world for their potential health benefits.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are thought to boost cognitive function, improve joint health, and reduce inflammation.
Missouri is home to many different types of mushrooms, but Lion’s Mane is not one of them.
These mushrooms grow best in temperate climates with cool summers and moist winters.
If you live in Missouri and you’re interested in trying Lion’s Mane mushrooms, your best bet is to order them online from a reputable source.
While there is no concrete evidence that Lion’s Mane mushrooms offer any health benefits, there is some preliminary research that suggests these mushrooms may be beneficial for cognitive function and joint health.
If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your brain power or ease joint pain, Lion’s Mane mushrooms may be worth a try.
6. Chicken-of-the-Woods
Chicken-of-the-Woods is a common mushroom found in Missouri.
This type of mushroom is also known as Laetiporus sulphureus and is characterized by its yellow or orange color.
Chicken-of-the-Woods typically grows on trees, stumps, or logs, and can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests.
This mushroom is edible and is often used in soups, stir-fries, and other dishes.
This type of mushroom gets its name from its resemblance to chicken meat.
When cooked, Chicken-of-the-Woods has a similar texture to chicken breast meat.
It also has a slightly sweet flavor that makes it a popular choice for many recipes.
If you’re looking for a new ingredient to add to your repertoire, consider giving Chicken-of-the-Woods a try!
7. Hen-of-the-Woods
Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms are a type of fungi that commonly grows in Missouri.
These mushrooms are characterized by their white, fleshy caps and stem, as well as their brownish spores.
Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms typically grow in clusters on the ground near trees or logs.
These mushrooms are edible and are often used in soups and stews. They have a mild flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
When cooking with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, it is important to cook them thoroughly to avoid any gastrointestinal upset.
Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms are a good source of several nutrients, including protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin D.
They also contain compounds that may boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Destroying Angel
The Destroying Angel is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Missouri.
This mushroom gets its name from the fact that it is incredibly deadly and can kill a human being within 24 hours of ingestion.
The Destroying Angel is white with a smooth cap and can grow up to 8 inches tall.
This mushroom typically grows in wooded areas and is most commonly found in the months of July and August.
If you come across a Destroying Angel mushroom, it is important to not touch it or ingest it in any way.
If you think you may have ingested this mushroom, seek medical attention immediately as it can be fatal.
There are no known antidotes for the poison in this mushroom, so treatment will focus on relieving symptoms and supporting the body as it fights the poison.
9. Deadly Galerina
One of the most common poisonous mushrooms in Missouri is the Galerina.
This mushroom is often mistaken for a harmless variety, but ingesting just a small amount can be deadly.
The Galerina grows on wood, and can be found in both coniferous and deciduous forests. It typically appears in late summer and fall.
The Galerina is a small brown mushroom with a cap that is less than an inch in diameter.
The gills of this mushroom are attached to the stem, and it has no ring around the stem.
The Galerina is often mistaken for the edible agaricus mushroom, but there are several key differences between the two.
First, the Galerina has a hollow stem while the agaricus mushroom does not.
Second, the Galerina’s spores are brown while the agaricus mushroom’s spores are white or cream-colored.
Finally, the Galerina smells like rotting meat while the agaricus mushroom does not.
If you think you have found a Galerina mushroom, it is best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.
If you do accidentally eat one of these mushrooms, seek medical attention immediately as they can be deadly.
10. Jack O’Lantern
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom is a very poisonous mushroom that is found in Missouri.
This mushroom gets its name from its orange color and its ability to light up in the dark.
These mushrooms contain a toxin called Illudin S, which is a powerful carcinogen.
This toxin can cause liver damage and death if ingested.
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom also contains another toxin called Muscarine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating.
