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Identifying Mushrooms on the FT

Jul 17, 2024

2 min read

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Identifying mushrooms in Florida can be both rewarding and exciting. Whether you're looking for mushrooms to cook, photograph, or observe mushroom hunting in Florida is a great outdoor activity for any nature lover. The Sunshine State is home to many beautiful and diverse species of mushrooms, making it the perfect destination for mycologists of all types. While the climate of Florida is perfect for many species of mushrooms to thrive, Mushroom Mycologists need to know what they're doing before they venture out into the wild and never consume mushrooms they don't recognize. Many Florida mushrooms can be deadly and poisonous, and it is always best to err on the side of caution and not take any chances with mushrooms you are unsure of. Finding mushrooms can be a fun and educational experience if done correctly. Before beginning your mushroom hunt, it's essential to familiarize yourself with some of the most common mushroom types in Florida. 

For beginners entering mycology, it's best to stick to the larger, easy-to-recognize mushroom species such as chanterelles, oysters, lion's manes, and shiitakes. All three types of mushrooms typically display a white or light-colored cap with a white stalk and are easily differentiated from other fungi due to their unique shape and texture. When heading out to forage for mushrooms, knowing exactly where to look is essential. Mushrooms are typically found in damp, shady areas such as forests, shady gardens, and paths, and under logs or fallen trees.

What are the types of edible mushrooms found in Florida? 


  1. Chanterelle 

  2. Oyster 

  3. Enoki 

  4. Portobello 

  5. Shiitake Oysters


What are the types of poisonous mushrooms found in Florida? 


  1. Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

  2. Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera) 

  3. False morel (Verpa bohemica) 

  4. Panther (Amanita pantherina) 

  5. Yellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus) 


The most poisonous mushrooms found in Florida include the Amanita bisporigera, Amanita phalloides, Amanita gemmata, Galerina marginata, and Lactarius apparatus.

Types of beautiful mushrooms in Florida that you might encounter include the Florida Blue Foot, the False Ring-Dripper, the Chocolate Paddlers, and the Red Cup.

Only hunt mushrooms if adequately trained in identifying edible varieties. Avoid mushrooms that grow in polluted environments or are past their prime. Fresh, wild mushrooms can be refrigerated, frozen, or dried. Check out Healthline's website for more information.

Phone Apps for mushroom identification can be beneficial. Take a look at GrowCycle's article for more information. Only eat mushrooms you are familiar with. Poisonous mushrooms can result in death or organ damage.



Jul 17, 2024

2 min read

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