The natural area visited was well-populated with dead and decaying poplar, especially the Balsam poplar, the preferred specimen for oyster mushrooms. The site did not disappoint, and a small cluster of oyster mushrooms were foraged. The consensus is that likely we were just about one week too early. With oysters, that is understandable as it is a race against the larvae that love the oyster too! A special thank you to Candice for sharing her knowledge and even some of her harvest!
From Candice:
There were 17 members in attendance. We found plenty of young oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus populinus), several cinnabar polypores (Pycnoporus cinnabarinus), a few deer mushrooms (Pluteus cervinus) and a smattering of tricky little brown mushrooms. Karen of course pulled a blonde morel unicorn out of an area I call my home turf. I’ve hiked it for over a decade in all seasons and have never seen a blonde here.
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Pine Lake
Foray Leader(s): Candice Cullum
Attendees: 17
Weather: Predominantly cloudy with brief periods of drizzle and light rain
Finds: Young oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus populinus), several cinnabar polypores (Pycnoporus cinnabarinus), a few deer mushrooms (Pluteus cervinus) and a smattering of tricky little brown mushrooms. 1 blonde morel (Morchella americana)
- Pleurotus populinus
- Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
- Pluteus cervinus
- Morchella americana
