There are 11 common mushrooms in Texas. Some of them are poisonous so be careful when handling them. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional.
These mushrooms can be found in fields and forests. Be sure to only pick mushrooms that you are 100% sure are safe to eat.
1. Chanterelles
Chanterelles are one of the most common mushrooms in Texas. They’re easily recognizable with their bright yellow color and trumpet-like shape.
While they’re most often found in wooded areas, they can also grow in fields and meadows.
These mushrooms are a great addition to any meal.
They have a delicate flavor that’s similar to apricots or peaches. When cooked, they become slightly nutty and earthy.
Chanterelles can be used in soups, sauces, omelets, and more.
If you’re lucky enough to find some chanterelles, be sure to clean them well before cooking.
These mushrooms are known for being quite dirty. Gently brush them with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Morels
Morels are a common mushroom in Texas that can be found growing in the wild.
These mushrooms have a unique, spongy appearance and a delicious, earthy flavor that makes them a popular choice for cooking.
Morels can be harvested from late spring through early summer, and they can be found growing in woods or fields.
When harvesting morels, it is important to know how to identify them.
There are many look-alikes out there, so unless you are an expert, it is best to err on the side of caution and only harvest mushrooms that you are 100% sure are morels.
Once you have found a patch of morels, carefully dig around the base of the plant to avoid damaging the delicate roots.
Cut the stem at the base of the mushroom and place them in a basket or paper bag.
Morels can be cooked in a variety of ways, but they are most commonly sauteed in butter or oil.
They can also be breaded and fried, or used in soups and stews.
No matter how you choose to cook them, morels are a delicious addition to any meal!
3. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a common mushroom found in Texas. These mushrooms typically grow on trees, and can be found in both woods and gardens.
Oyster mushrooms are known for their oyster-shaped caps, and white or pale gray coloring.
These mushrooms are edible, and have a mild taste that some describe as being similar to seafood.
4. Puffballs
Puffballs are a type of mushroom that is common in Texas. They typically have a white or cream-colored exterior and a round shape.
When they mature, the interior of the puffball will be filled with spores.
Puffballs are edible when they are young and the interior is still white.
Once they mature and the interior turns brown or black, they are no longer safe to eat.
Puffballs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including being sauteed, grilled, or roasted.
5. White Jelly Fungus
The White Jelly Fungus is a common mushroom found in Texas. This type of fungus is known for its white, jelly-like appearance.
The White Jelly Fungus typically grows on trees, logs, and stumps.
This type of mushroom is not edible and can cause stomach upset if ingested.
6. Stinkhorns
Stinkhorns are a common mushroom in Texas. They get their name from their foul odor, which is said to smell like rotting flesh.
This smell attracts flies, which then help spread the spores of the mushroom.
Stinkhorns are not poisonous, but they are not considered edible either.
7. Caesar’s Mushroom
Caesar’s Mushroom is a common mushroom found in Texas.
This mushroom gets its name from its resemblance to the Caesar Salad ingredient, the Parmesan cheese.
The ideal time to pick this mushroom is late spring to early summer.
This is when the caps are still white and have not begun to turn brown.
This mushroom can be found in pastures, gardens, and lawns. It grows best in soils that are high in organic matter.
The Caesar’s Mushroom can also be found growing on dead wood.
This mushroom is edible and can be used in soups, stews, or salads.
8. Destroying Angel
The Destroying Angel is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Texas. This mushroom gets its name from the fact that it can kill you if you eat it.
The Destroying Angel looks similar to other mushrooms, so it’s important to be able to identify it correctly.
If you’re not sure whether or not a mushroom is a Destroying Angel, it’s best not to risk it and just leave it alone.
If you do ingest this mushroom, you will likely experience vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping within 6 hours.
These symptoms will then be followed by liver and kidney failure, which can lead to death.
There is no antidote for the poison, so if you think you have eaten a Destroying Angel, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
While the Destroying Angel is a common mushroom in Texas, it’s important to be aware of the dangers it poses.
If you’re not sure what kind of mushroom you’re looking at, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just leave it alone.
9. Earthball
The earthball is a common mushroom found in Texas that is poisonous. This mushroom gets its name from its round, ball-like shape.
It typically grows in wooded areas on decaying logs or stumps.
The earthball is cream or brown in color and has a smooth surface.
This mushroom is poisonous and should not be eaten. If ingested, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, the poison can lead to liver damage or death.
If you come across this mushroom, it’s best to leave it alone.
10. Southern Jack O’Lantern
The Southern Jack O’Lantern mushroom is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Texas.
This mushroom gets its name from its orange color and jack o’lantern-shaped cap.
The Southern Jack O’Lantern mushroom contains a toxin that can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you come into contact with this mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
11. False Parasol
The False Parasol is a common mushroom found in Texas that is poisonous.
This mushroom gets its name from its parasol-like shape and can grow to be up to eight inches tall.
The False Parasol has a white stalk with a brown or tan cap that is slightly convex.
The gills of this mushroom are white and close together.
This mushroom should not be consumed as it can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you have any questions about whether or not a mushroom is safe to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with an expert before consuming it.
