7 Common Mushrooms In Oregon
The 7 common mushrooms found in the state of Oregon are the Chanterelle, Western Giant Puffball, King Bolete, Morel, Deadly Amanita, False Morel, and the Dark Honey Mushroom.
Some of these mushrooms are poisonous, so be careful when handling them. If you are unsure about a mushroom, it is always best to consult with a professional.
[Related Article: 10 Common Mushrooms In Pennsylvania]
1. Dark Honey Mushroom
The Dark Honey Mushroom is a common mushroom found in Oregon. It gets its name from its dark brown to black coloration and its honey-like taste.
This mushroom is often used in soups and stews, as it adds a unique flavor to dishes. The Dark Honey Mushroom is also known to have medicinal properties and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.
2. Chanterelles
Chanterelles are one of the most common mushrooms found in Oregon. They’re easily recognizable with their bright yellow color and trumpet-like shape. While they’re most often found in damp, forested areas, they can also grow in your yard if you have the right conditions.
Chanterelles are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin D, potassium, and iron. They’re also low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to any diet.
Despite their many benefits, there are a few things to be aware of before eating chanterelles. First of all, only eat chanterelles that have been cooked thoroughly.
Eating raw or undercooked chanterelles can lead to stomach upset or even food poisoning. Secondly, be sure to clean your chanterelles well before cooking them.
Dirt and debris can easily get trapped in the crevices of the mushroom, so it’s important to give them a good rinse before eating.
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to add more mushrooms to your diet, look no further than chanterelles! Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and clean them well before enjoying.
3. Western Giant Puffball
The Western Giant Puffball is a common mushroom in Oregon. This type of puffball is the largest of its kind, and can grow up to 30cm in diameter! The Western Giant Puffball is white or cream-colored with a smooth surface.
When it matures, the puffball will turn brown and release its spores.
If you come across a Western Giant Puffball, make sure to give it a gentle squeeze before picking it; if it’s too soft, it means the spores have already been released and it’s no longer edible.
4. King Bolete
The King Bolete is a common mushroom found in Oregon. It is a large, fleshy mushroom with a thick stem and a big, round cap. The surface of the cap is covered in small bumps, and the center of the cap is slightly sunken in.
The King Bolete typically grows in areas with lots of trees, like forests.
This mushroom is very popular among mushroom hunters because it is so big and easy to spot. It is also a good choice for novice mushroom hunters because it is not poisonous and has a very mild flavor.
The King Bolete can be cooked in many different ways, but it is often simply sauteed with butter or oil.
5. Morels
Morels are a common type of mushroom found in Oregon. These mushrooms have a distinctive shape, with a hollow stem and a cap that is attached to the stem at the bottom. Morels are usually brown or black in color.
Morels are typically found in wooded areas, often near dead or dying trees. Morels can also be found in fields and meadows.
Morels are most commonly found in the spring, but they can also be found in the fall.
Morels are edible mushrooms, and they are considered a delicacy by many people. Morels can be cooked in many different ways, including being sauteed, grilled, or breaded and fried.
6. Deadly Amanitas
The Amanita genus of mushrooms is one of the most notorious groups of poisonous fungi in the world. Many species in this group contain deadly toxins that can cause serious illness or death in humans.
The most famous member of this group is the Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which is responsible for more human fatalities than any other mushroom species.
Despite their reputation, Amanita mushrooms are actually quite common in Oregon. In fact, there are at least seven different species that can be found in the state.
These include the Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Panther Cap, and Fly Agaric mushrooms. While all of these mushrooms are potentially deadly if ingested, they can also be easily mistaken for edible species.
If you’re planning on going mushroom hunting in Oregon, it’s essential that you know how to identify Amanita mushrooms.
7. False Morels
False morels are a type of mushroom that is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon. These mushrooms are poisonous and can cause serious illness or death if consumed.
False morels have a reddish-brown cap with a spongy texture, and a white to cream-colored stem. They typically grow in moist, shady areas such as forests or near streams.
If you come across a false morel mushroom, it is important not to eat it. Some people mistake false morels for edible mushrooms such as true morels or oyster mushrooms, but consuming them can cause serious illness.
Symptoms of poisoning from false morels include vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and convulsions. In severe cases, false morels can cause liver failure and death.
