Oyster Mushroom

Habitat:

Growing on wood, both upright and logs.
Oyster Habitat

Cap:

  • White, cream, pale pink, to dark grey.
  • Edge may curl inward.
    Oyster Cap
  • Flat, concave, and convex.
    Pleurotus oyster on log

Underside:

Pale gills, often running down the stem (decurrent).
Underside

Stem:

Off-center or possibly nonexistent.
Stem

Oyster mushrooms are one of the most commonly foraged mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. Their large fruit bodies, peculiar appearance, and long growing season make them a favorite for many, including beginners.

What to Look For:

Pleurotus Group
  • Pale, pinkish, to dark brown in color.
  • Typically growing on hardwoods like alder, cottonwood, and aspen.
Pleurotus Single
  • Shelflike growth on wood.
  • Decurrent gills.
  • Short, off-center, or nonexistent stem.
  • Light-colored gills when young.

Additional Characteristics:

  • White, faintly yellowish, or lilac-colored spores.
  • May have a slightly sweet smell or hints of anise or black licorice.

Velvet-Footed Tap (Tapinella atrotomentosa)

Tapinella atrotomentosa
  • Found on conifer wood.
  • Velvety base of the stipe.
  • Stipe is more prominent compared to most oysters.

PNW Oyster Species:

Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Summer Oyster (Pleurotus pulminarius)
Summer Oyster

Aspen Oyster (Pleurotus populinus)
Veiled Oyster (Pleurotus dryinus)
Veiled Oyster

Similar Species:

Angel Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens)
Angel Wings

Late Oyster (Sarcomyxa serotina)
Late Oyster

Lilac Oysterling (Panus conchotus)
Lilac Oysterling

Additional Reading:

References:
Kuo, M. (2017, December). Pleurotus ostreatus. Retrieved from MushroomExpert.com.