There are over 100 bolete species in the Pacific Northwest. Identification is easiest when one has a general sense of the various major groupings of boletes. I created an interactive treemap to help navigate through the different groupings of mushrooms within the Boletales order. See the video below for a better explanation. Explore The Boletales…
Seattle-area mushroomers may be preparing for an excellent late-summer mushroom season this year. Cooler temperatures and above-average rain will prompt fruitings of many species found in our region’s late summer months, including choice edible species like king boletes and chanterelles. There is more to love about mushrooms than just these popular choice edibles. There…
Cleaning dirt, sand, and bugs from mushrooms is a common challenge for foragers. Here are some tips for reducing the amount of these that make their way into your cooking Clean Mushrooms As You Pick One key characteristic of morels is their honeycomb pockets. Unfortunately, these are also a great place for dirt to collect…
The Purpose and Role of Wilderness Areas Wilderness areas, managed by the National Forest Service, are essential for protecting natural landscapes and ecosystems. Created under the Wilderness Act of 1964, these regions are designed to remain free from significant human interference, allowing nature to thrive. Why Wilderness Areas Matter 1. Preserving Natural Environments These areas…
The genus name Gyromitra is derived from the following: gyro – round, or convoluted. (gyroscope) mitra – headdress (Mitre, mitre joint) There are more than 10 species of Gyromitra in the Pacific Northwest with a variety of shapes from the classic brain shape to less obvious disc-shaped mushrooms. More on Pacific Northwest Gyromitra here: …
What do you do if you suspect that you, someone else, or a pet has eaten a poisonous mushroom? Time is critical. Quickly do the following 1) Gather information for accurate identification. 2) Try to determine if it’s one of the following general types of mushrooms There are very few mushrooms that when eaten can…
Morels are one of the most commonly foraged mushrooms in the United States, and likely one of the most popular around the world. They are broadly distributed globally, are very recognizable, and are relatively safe for a beginner to identify. The popularity of morels also results in a lot of misconceptions about them as well….
One of the key habitats for early-season mushroom finding in the Pacific Northwest is with cottonwood trees. Western Washinton has fewer deciduous trees than the east coast, so identification is easier. Our cottonwood species is Populus trichocarpa. To find black cottonwood, start by finding areas near rivers, streams, and lakes. The leaves of cottonwoods quite…
It comes as a surprise to many when I say that the edibility of mushrooms is on a spectrum. Poisonous mushrooms can often be eaten when prepared in sometimes quite elaborate ways. For instance, there is a method for preparing the classic Amanita muscaria in a way that can remove the toxins. This involves boiling…