Are you curious about some of the common mushrooms found in Oklahoma? If so, this blog is for you! We are going to talk about 10 of the most commonly found mushrooms in Oklahoma.
[Related Article: 7 Common Mushrooms In Oregon]
1. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most common mushrooms in Oklahoma. They are typically found growing on trees, logs, or stumps. Oyster mushrooms have a distinctive oyster-shaped cap and can range in color from white to grayish-brown.
Oyster mushrooms are edible and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes.
While oyster mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat, there is a small risk of gastrointestinal upset if they are consumed raw or improperly cooked.
It is important to thoroughly cook oyster mushrooms before eating them to reduce the risk of illness.
2. Inky Caps
The inky cap mushroom is a common type of mushroom found in Oklahoma. This mushroom gets its name from the fact that its caps are black and ink-like in appearance.
Inky caps are edible mushrooms, but they should be cooked before consumption due to the fact that they can cause stomach upset if eaten raw.
These mushrooms can be found growing on woody debris or in grassy areas.
3. Puffballs
Puffballs are a common type of mushroom found in Oklahoma. They have a round shape and can range in color from white to brown. These mushrooms are edible, but should not be eaten raw.
When cooked, they have a mild flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Puffballs are found in many different habitats in Oklahoma, including woods, fields, and gardens. They typically grow on the ground, but can also be found growing on trees or logs.
Puffballs are often mistaken for other types of mushrooms, so it is important to know how to identify them before consuming them.
4. Chanterelles
Chanterelles are one of the most common mushrooms found in Oklahoma. They can be found in wooded areas, on trees, and on the ground. Chanterelles are a type of fungi, and they are often used in cooking because of their unique flavor.
Chanterelles have a fruity taste that is similar to apricots. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. When cooked, chanterelles can be used in soups, sauces, omelets, quiche, and stuffing.
They can also be sauteed, grilled, or roasted.
If you find chanterelles while out hiking or mushroom hunting, make sure to properly identify them before consuming them. Many mushrooms look similar to chanterelles, but some of them are poisonous.
A good rule of thumb is to only eat mushrooms that have been identified by an expert.
5. Poisonous Amanitas
The Amanita mushrooms are a common type of mushroom found in Oklahoma, and they are also one of the most poisonous. If you come across one of these mushrooms, it is best to avoid it altogether.
These mushrooms can cause serious illness or even death if ingested, so it is not worth taking the risk.
There are many different types of Amanita mushrooms, and they come in a variety of colors. Some of the more common colors include white, yellow, and brown.
The Amanita mushrooms have a cap that is typically around 5 inches in diameter. The caps are often smooth with a slightly wavy edge.
If you think you may have come into contact with a poisonous Amanita mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These mushrooms can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. In some cases, they can also lead to liver failure or death.
6. Deadly Galerina
There are many poisonous mushrooms in Oklahoma, but the Galerina is one of the most common and deadly. This mushroom often grows on wood, which makes it difficult to spot.
The Galerina is small and brown with a white stem. It can easily be mistaken for an edible mushroom, but it is extremely poisonous.
If ingested, the Galerina can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and even death.
If you think you may have come into contact with a Galerina mushroom, it is important to seek medical help immediately. These mushrooms are very dangerous and should not be taken lightly.
If you are out hiking or camping in Oklahoma, be sure to stay away from any mushrooms that you cannot identify. It is better to err on the side of caution than to risk your life by eating a poisonous mushroom.
7. Flowerpot Dapperling
The Flowerpot Dapperling is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Oklahoma. This mushroom gets its name from its resemblance to a flower pot, and can be found growing on trees, stumps, or logs.
The Flowerpot Dapperling is white or cream-colored with brown spots, and has a small cup-shaped cap. If you come across this mushroom, it is best to leave it alone, as it can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
8. Jack O’Lantern Mushrooms
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Oklahoma. This mushroom gets its name from its orange color and its resemblance to a jack-o-lantern.
While this mushroom is beautiful to look at, it can be deadly if ingested. If you come across this mushroom while out hiking, it is best to leave it alone and not touch it.
9. Earthballs
Earthballs are a type of mushroom that is common in Oklahoma. They are also known to be poisonous. If you come across an earthball mushroom, it is important to not touch or eat it.
Ingesting even a small amount of this mushroom can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of ingesting an earthball mushroom include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, earthball poisoning can lead to liver failure and death.
10. Poison Pie
The Poison Pie is a common mushroom in Oklahoma that is poisonous. This mushroom gets its name from the fact that it can cause stomach upset and vomiting if eaten.
The Poison Pie is found in wooded areas and typically grows on trees. If you come across this mushroom, it’s best to just leave it be!
Conclusion
In conclusion, here are 10 common mushrooms found in Oklahoma. Some are edible, while others are poisonous. Be careful when handling and consuming any mushrooms, as some may be deadly.
When in doubt, throw it out! Consult a local expert or the Oklahoma Mycological Society for more information on these and other Oklahoma mushrooms.
