11 Common Mushrooms In Washington State
This is a blog about mushrooms in Washington State. If you are wondering whether or not to pick some mushrooms for your next edible foray, then this is the article for you!
[Related Article: 4 Common Mushrooms In West Virginia]
1. Chanterelles
Chanterelles are a common mushroom in Washington State. These mushrooms can be found in many different colors, including yellow, orange, and white. Chanterelles have a distinct shape, with a curved cap and ridged surface. The inside of the chanterelle is hollow.
These mushrooms are typically found in damp areas, such as forests or near streams. Chanterelles can also be found in meadows and fields. When picking chanterelles, be sure to avoid any that have been damaged by insects or animals.
These mushrooms are best cooked before eating, as they can be quite tough otherwise.
Chanterelles are a delicious addition to many dishes, including soups, stews, and pasta sauces.
They can also be sauteed or grilled. If you’re lucky enough to find some fresh chanterelles, be sure to enjoy them while they’re in season!
2. Hedgehog Mushrooms
Hedgehog mushrooms are a common type of mushroom found in Washington state. They get their name from their spiky, hedgehog-like appearance and can range in color from white to brown. Hedgehogs are typically found in wooded areas and grow on the ground near tree roots.
These mushrooms are edible, but not particularly tasty. Hedgehogs are often used in soups or stews where their flavor will be diluted by other ingredients. If you do decide to eat hedgehogs, make sure to cook them first as raw hedgehogs can cause stomach upset.
Hedgehogs are a relatively easy mushroom to identify, but there are a few look-alikes that you should be aware of. One is the false hedgehog, which is actually a type of sponge.
These mushrooms are not poisonous, but they’re not particularly appetizing either! Another look-alike is the panther cap, which is a poisonous mushroom.
Panther caps can be distinguished from hedgehogs by their red cap and white gills. If you’re unsure about whether or not a mushroom is safe to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.
3. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a very common type of mushroom found in Washington State. They get their name from their oyster-like shape and can be found growing on trees, stumps, or logs. Oyster mushrooms are usually white or gray in color and have a smooth texture.
These mushrooms are considered to be a good choice for beginners because they are easy to identify and generally considered to be safe to eat. However, there have been some reports of people getting sick after eating oyster mushrooms that were not cooked properly.
So, it is always best to cook them thoroughly before consuming.
Oyster mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, stir-fries, and more. They have a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and nutty. If you are looking for a more robust flavor, you can try sautéing them with some garlic or other herbs.
4. Puffballs
Puffballs are a type of mushroom that is common in Washington State. These mushrooms typically have a white or cream-colored flesh and a round shape. When they mature, puffballs will release spores from their surface that can be used to reproduce.
Puffballs are edible when they are young and the flesh is still white. However, once they start to release spores, they become inedible.
Some people may experience gastrointestinal upset after eating puffballs that are past their prime.
If you come across a puffball mushroom in the wild, it is best to leave it alone. These mushrooms are not poisonous, but they can cause stomach upset if eaten when they are past their prime.
5. Morels
Morels are a common type of mushroom found in the Pacific Northwest. Morels have a spongy, honeycomb-like appearance and a nutty flavor. These mushrooms can be found growing in the wild or cultivated in gardens. Morels are a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and other dishes.
Morels are a type of edible mushroom that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. These mushrooms have a spongy texture with a honeycomb-like appearance. Morels also have a nutty flavor that makes them a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and other dishes. Morels can be found growing in the wild or cultivated in gardens.
If you’re interested in finding morels in the wild, they typically grow near streams or rivers. Morels also prefer damp and cool climates. The best time to find morels is during the spring months when the weather is milder. When collecting morels from the wild, be sure to cut them at the base of the stem. You can also brush off any dirt or debris before cooking them.
6. Western Cauliflower
The Western Cauliflower is a common mushroom found in Washington State. This mushroom gets its name from its cauliflower-like shape and white color.
The Western Cauliflower typically grows in areas with cool, moist climates like the Pacific Northwest. This mushroom can be found growing on the ground, on logs, or on trees.
The Western Cauliflower is edible, but it is not considered to be a choice mushroom. This mushroom has a mild flavor and is often used in soups or stews.
If you are planning on eating this mushroom, be sure to cook it first as raw Western Cauliflower can cause stomach upset.
7. Deathcap
The deathcap is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Washington State. This mushroom is white with a brown cap, and it can be found growing in wooded areas.
The deathcap contains amatoxin, which is a toxin that can cause liver and kidney failure. If you come into contact with this mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
8. Smith’s Anamita
Smith’s Anamita is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Washington State. This mushroom can cause serious illness or death if consumed, so it is important to be able to identify it and avoid it.
This mushroom has a white cap with a diameter of 2-8 inches. The gills are white and close together. The stem is also white and can be up to 6 inches long. This mushroom typically grows in woods, meadows, and gardens.
If you come across this mushroom, do not touch it or consume it. If you think you may have ingested this mushroom, seek medical attention immediately as it can be deadly.
9. Deadly Galerina
The Galerina mushroom is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Washington State. This mushroom can be deadly if ingested, so it is important to be aware of its dangers. The Galerina mushroom looks similar to other mushrooms, such as the honey fungus and the death cap mushroom. It has a brown cap with white spots, and a white stem. This mushroom grows on wood, often near coniferous trees.
If you come across the Galerina mushroom, it is important not to touch it or ingest it. If you do come into contact with this mushroom, wash your hands immediately and seek medical attention. Ingesting this mushroom can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, and death. If you suspect that someone has ingested this mushroom, call poison control immediately.
The Galerina mushroom is a dangerous fungus that can be found in Washington State. If you come across this mushroom, do not touch it or ingest it. Seek medical attention immediately if you come into contact with it.
10. False Morel
The False Morel is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Washington State. This mushroom gets its name from its resemblance to the true morel, which is a edible mushroom.
The false morel has a brain-like or spongy appearance and can range in color from tan to brown. If you come across this mushroom while out hiking, it’s best to leave it be!
11. Brown Rollrim
The Brown Rollrim is a poisonous mushroom that is common in Washington State. This mushroom can be easily mistaken for an edible variety, so it is important to be able to identify it.
The Brown Rollrim has a brown cap with white gills. The stalk of this mushroom is also brown. This mushroom typically grows in groups on decaying wood. If you come across this mushroom, it is best to avoid it and find another food source.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are 11 common mushrooms in Washington State. These include chanterelles, hedgehog mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, puffballs, morels, western cauliflower, deathcap, Smith’s anamita, deadly galerina, false morel, and brown rollrim. Some of these mushrooms are poisonous, so it is important to be careful when handling them.
If you are looking for a great place to find mushrooms, Washington State is a great place to start your search!
