Knowing what mushrooms to look for is an essential part of any outdoor adventure.
In this post, we are going to take a look at 10 of the most commonly found mushrooms in Pennsylvania.
Enjoy!
1. King Bolete
The King Bolete is a common mushroom found in Pennsylvania. This large, brown mushroom has a distinguishing feature: a hollow stem.
The King Bolete is also known as the Porcini Mushroom, and it is prized for its meaty texture and nutty flavor.
This mushroom can be found growing in shady woods, often near oak trees.
If you’re out looking for King Boletes, keep an eye out for their unique shape and light-colored pores (instead of gills).
When they are young, these mushrooms are white or cream-colored.
But as they mature, the caps of the King Bolete darken to a brown color.
If you find some King Boletes while out mushroom hunting, don’t hesitate to add them to your basket!
These mushrooms make a great addition to any meal, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways.
[Related Article: 4 Types of Orange Mushrooms In PA]
2. Chicken-of-the-Woods
Chicken-of-the-Woods is a common mushroom found in Pennsylvania.
This type of mushroom is characterized by its orange or yellow color and its chicken-like taste.
Chicken-of-the-Woods is often used as a substitute for chicken in recipes.
When cooked, this mushroom is known to be tender and juicy.
This mushroom grows best on dead or dying trees. It can also be found on stumps, logs, and wood chips. Chicken-of-the-Woods typically fruit from late spring to early fall.
In Pennsylvania, the peak season for this mushroom is July and August.
If you’re looking to add this mushroom to your menu, be sure to check with a local expert before consuming it.
While this mushroom is considered safe to eat, some people may have allergic reactions to it.
3. Shaggy Mane
The Shaggy Mane is a common mushroom found in Pennsylvania. This type of mushroom typically grows in woods, fields, and gardens.
The cap of the Shaggy Mane is white and has shaggy scales that resemble hair.
The stem of the mushroom is also white and can grow up to six inches tall.
This type of mushroom is edible but should be cooked before consumption.
4. Giant Puffball
Giant Puffballs are a common mushroom found in Pennsylvania. These mushrooms can grow to be very large, sometimes weighing up to eight pounds!
Despite their size, Giant Puffballs are actually quite delicate and can easily be bruised or damaged.
Giant Puffballs have a white flesh that is spongy and smooth. When these mushrooms are young, the flesh is solid and firm.
However, as the mushroom ages, the flesh becomes increasingly soft and filled with air pockets.
The giant puffball gets its name from these large air pockets, which make the mushroom look like a giant puff of smoke!
These mushrooms are most commonly found in woods or fields.
They grow best in areas that have plenty of moisture, such as near streams or ponds.
If you find a Giant Puffball growing in your yard, you can be sure that there is plenty of moisture nearby!
5. Black Trumpet
The Black Trumpet mushroom is a common type of fungi found in Pennsylvania.
This species of mushroom is typically black or dark brown in color and has a trumpet-like shape.
The Black Trumpet is often found in wooded areas and around dead trees.
These mushrooms are edible, but should be cooked before consumption due to their bitter taste.
6. Oyster Mushroom
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most common mushrooms found in Pennsylvania.
They get their name from their oyster-like shape and can be found growing on trees, logs, or stumps.
Oyster mushrooms can range in color from white to tan to grey, and have a smooth cap with gills on the underside.
While oyster mushrooms are edible, they should not be consumed raw.
Raw oyster mushrooms can cause stomach upset and should be cooked before eating.
When cooking oyster mushrooms, it’s best to sauté them or cook them in soup or stew.
This will help to reduce any potential gastric distress.
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of Vitamin D and iron, and can be a tasty addition to many dishes.
If you find yourself with a bounty of oyster mushrooms, don’t hesitate to add them to your next meal!
7. Morel
If you’re lucky enough to find morel mushrooms in the wild, then you know that they can be quite a treat.
Morels are a type of mushroom that is prized for its unique flavor and texture, and Pennsylvania is one of the best places to find them.
Morel mushrooms typically grow in woods or other areas with plenty of trees.
They tend to prefer damp conditions, so you’re more likely to find them after a rainstorm.
Morels can be tricky to spot, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
The mushrooms have a spongy cap that is usually darker than the stem, and the stem itself is hollow.
If you do find morel mushrooms, make sure to cook them before eating.
While many people enjoy eating them raw, uncooked morels can cause stomach upset.
When cooking morels, simply sautee them in butter or oil until they are browned and tender.
Enjoy your morels as a side dish or add them to your favorite recipe for an extra special treat!
8. Toxic Amanitas
The Amanita mushroom is a common mushroom found in Pennsylvania. It is also poisonous. If you come across this mushroom, it is best to avoid it.
The Amanita mushroom contains a toxin called amanitin.
This toxin can cause liver damage and death. Symptoms of amanitin poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
If you think you have consumed this mushroom, seek medical attention immediately.
The Amanita mushroom can be easily mistaken for other mushrooms. It is important to be able to identify this mushroom so that you can avoid it.
The Amanita mushroom has a white cap with red spots or streaks.
The stem is also white and the gills are attached to the stem. If you come across a mushroom that matches this description, do not consume it.
9. Deadly Galerina
The Galerina mushroom is a poisonous fungi that is common in Pennsylvania.
This mushroom can be found growing on dead tree stumps, logs, or at the base of trees.
The Galerina mushroom is deadly if ingested and can cause liver failure, kidney damage, and death.
If you come across this mushroom, it is important to avoid touching it or ingesting it in any way.
10. False Morel
The False Morel is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Pennsylvania.
This mushroom can be easily confused with the edible Morel mushroom, so it is important to be able to identify it correctly.
The False Morel has a brain-like or sponge-like appearance, whereas the Morel mushroom is hollow with a honeycomb-like surface.
If you are unsure whether a mushroom is a False Morel or not, it is best not to consume it.
