3 Shaggy Mane Mushroom Look Alikes
Are you looking for a mushroom that is hard to find but tastes amazing? Then you need to check out the 3 shaggy mane mushroom look-alikes.
These mushrooms are not only delicious, but they are also easy to find and very affordable. In this article, we will go over the different types of shaggy mane mushroom look-alikes and what they are best suited for.
[Related Article: Purple Gilled Mushroom]
1. Ink Cap
The shaggy mane mushroom is a type of ink cap mushroom that is often mistaken for its more edible cousin, the oyster mushroom. While both mushrooms have a white cap with shaggy edges, the shaggy mane mushroom has a thin, black stem while the oyster mushroom has a thicker, white stem.
The shaggy mane mushroom also has a hollow center, while the oyster mushroom is solid.
[Related Article: Oyster Mushroom Look Alikes: Identifying Similar Species]
2. Snowy Ink cap
The Snowy Inkcap is a shaggy mane mushroom look-alike that can be found in North America. This white mushroom gets its name from the fact that it looks like it has been dusted with snow.
The Snowy Inkcap is most commonly found in wooded areas and is often mistaken for the shaggy mane mushroom. While the Snowy Inkcap is edible, it is not as popular of a choice as the shaggy mane mushroom.
3. Wooly Ink cap
The Wooly Inkcap is a type of mushroom that looks very similar to the Shaggy Mane Mushroom. Both mushrooms have a white, shaggy exterior and a black interior. However, the Wooly Inkcap is more closely related to the Inky Cap Mushroom than it is to the Shaggy Mane Mushroom.
The Wooly Inkcap is found in both Europe and North America. It grows in wooded areas, often near beech trees. The mushroom gets its name from the fact that its exterior is covered in tiny white hairs.
When the mushroom is young, these hairs are soft and woolly. However, as the mushroom ages, the hairs become stiff and brittle.
The Wooly Inkcap is edible when it is young. However, it becomes poisonous once it begins to turn black inside. Therefore, it is important to only eat this mushroom when it is young and still white on the inside.
What Is The Difference Between Shaggy Mane Mushrooms and Inky Manes
While both the Shaggy Mane and Inky Cap mushrooms may look similar at first glance, there are a few key differences between these two types of fungi.
For starters, the Shaggy Mane mushroom is characterized by its small, brownish caps and white stems, while the Inky Cap mushroom has much darker caps and often features black or blue spots.
Additionally, the Inky Cap mushroom will liquefy and turn inky black when it reaches maturity – hence its name – whereas the Shaggy Mane mushroom stays firm even as it ages.
When it comes to taste, the Shaggy Mane mushroom is said to have a mild flavor with hints of nuts or almonds, while the Inky Cap mushroom is often quite sour.
And finally, perhaps the most important difference between these two mushrooms is that the Inky Cap is poisonous if consumed before it has been cooked, while the Shaggy Mane is safe to eat raw.
Conclusion
All three of these mushrooms, the ink cap, the snowy ink cap, and the wooly ink cap, are shaggy mane mushroom look-alikes. They are all white, have a ruffled appearance, and grow in clusters.
While they may look similar, they each have their own distinct flavor and texture. If you’re ever unsure which mushroom to choose, go with the ink cap, it’s the classic shaggy mane and sure to please.
