Wisconsin is home to several plant and animal species. With its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, there are also several different species of common mushrooms found in the state. Some of them are safe to eat, but there are also many poisonous species.
In this article, we will take a look at the best edible mushrooms in Wisconsin. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Morel Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Morchella spp.
Where They Can Be Found: Deciduous forests, around ash, elm, and apple trees
Morel mushrooms have a quirky, spongy look. Every spring, these mushrooms pop up in Wisconsin, bringing joy to foragers and foodies alike.
Their distinct honeycomb shape isn’t just for show; it’s a sign of a true morel. Morels are famous for their rich, earthy taste that can remind you of nuts. This unique flavor makes them a hit in kitchens, where they’re added to all sorts of dishes to make them extra special.
After a rainy day, when the sun peeks out, it is a great time to go looking. The moisture and warmth wake up the morels and encourage them to grow.
After you’ve found your morels, don’t rush to eat them raw. They need to be cooked to be safe and tasty. A simple sauté with butter and garlic lets their flavor shine. Morels can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary, adding a touch of woodland magic to your plate.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Cantharellus cibarius
Where They Can Be Found: Deciduous & Coniferous forests, near Oak, Birch, and Pine trees.
Chanterelles are a prized mushroom, capturing the attention of foragers with their striking golden hue and unique flavor. These mushrooms have a subtle yet spicy taste that adds a special touch to various dishes.
The appearance of chanterelles is quite distinctive. One can recognize them by their wavy edges and the gill-like ridges that extend downward along the stem. It’s this intricate pattern that not only contributes to their beauty but also helps in identifying them.
Lastly, if you’re lucky enough to find chanterelles, they can be a delightful addition to your kitchen. Clean them gently with a soft brush to remove any forest debris. Cook them shortly after harvesting to enjoy their best flavor. Whether sautéed with garlic and herbs or added to a creamy sauce, chanterelles bring a touch of the Wisconsin forest to your table.
King Bolete Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Boletus Edulis
Where They Can Be Found: Hardwood forests
The King Bolete is a mushroom that commands respect. With its thick stem and large brown cap, it’s not only impressive to look at but also delicious. The King Bolete has a rich, earthy flavor that makes it perfect for many dishes.
Spotting a King Bolete is exciting for mushroom lovers. Its cap can grow quite large, often reaching up to 12 inches in diameter, and the color can vary from a light tan to a deep brown.
The underside of the cap has tiny pores instead of gills, which is a key feature of this species. These pores start out white and become yellow-green with age. It’s also important to note that the King Bolete’s stem is sturdy and bulbous, not thin or fragile.
If you’re looking to add some wild flavors to your cooking, the King Bolete is a top choice among wild mushrooms in Wisconsin and beyond. Its meaty texture holds up well in soups, stews, and sautés.
Before you start, make sure to clean them properly since they can harbor little bits of forest debris. Gently brush off any dirt, and if necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Giant Puffball Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Calvatia Gigante
Where They Can Be Found: Grassy areas, forests and meadows
Giant Puffball mushrooms are not just huge; they’re also edible and can be a tasty treat if you know when and how to use them. They are large, white, and have a puffy-looking exterior.
The key to enjoying Giant Puffballs is to harvest them at the right time. When they’re young, and the inside is pure white, that’s when they’re perfect for your plate. This is because as they age, their insides change color.
If you cut one open and find it’s starting to turn yellow or brown, it’s past its prime and not good to eat anymore. So always remember to check the color before you plan your meal.
Oyster Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Pleurotus Ostreatus
Where They Can Be Found: Hardwood trees in Forests
Oyster mushrooms stand out in the forest with their unique shape that resembles the shell of an ocean oyster. It is a mushroom that grows in clusters on the sides of trees, especially on dead or decaying hardwood logs or stumps. This growth pattern makes them relatively easy to spot when you’re walking through the woods.
They have broad, fan-like caps, which can range in color from white to grey or tan. The edges of the caps are usually curled, with gills running down the stem.
When you find oyster mushrooms, make sure to harvest them responsibly. Use a knife to cut them at the base to avoid damaging the tree and the mycelium, which is the part of the mushroom that helps it grow back. Remember, only take what you need so that others can enjoy foraging, too, and the mushrooms can continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
Back in the kitchen, oyster mushrooms can be cleaned with a gentle brush or a damp cloth. It’s not advisable to soak them in water as they can become soggy. These fungi are not just a treat for the eyes but also a delight in the kitchen. Their mild taste and soft texture make them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
They’re incredibly adaptable to various recipes, whether you’re sautéing, grilling, or baking. They are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them not only tasty but also a healthy addition to your diet.
Hen of the Woods
Scientific Name: Grifola Frondosa
Where They Can Be Found: On and around hardwood trees
It’s not to be confused with the common chicken of the woods, which is a different species. This mushroom is named for its unique appearance, which resembles the ruffled feathers of a hen
Identifying Hen of the Woods can be a fun challenge. Look for a large, overlapping cluster of grayish-brown caps, which can sometimes weigh several pounds. This mushroom grows in the wild, primarily in late summer to early autumn. Its preference for oak trees makes certain forests ideal spots for mushroom hunting.
When it comes to cooking, Hen of the Woods offers a delightful texture that is both chewy and crispy. Before cooking, make sure to clean it gently with a brush or damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. It’s versatile in the kitchen and can be sautéed, grilled, or roasted. Many enjoy it as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes, or simply sautéed with garlic and butter to let its natural flavors shine.
Beyond taste, Hen of the Woods is packed with nutrients and has been linked to various health benefits. It’s known to support the immune system and is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage by free radicals. This mushroom is also a source of vitamins B and D, minerals, and amino acids.
Chicken of the Woods
Scientific Name: Laetiporus sulphureus
Where They Can Be Found: On and around hardwood trees
Chicken of the Woods is a type of edible wild mushroom found in forests throughout Wisconsin. It is easily recognizable due to its bright yellow and orange coloration, which resembles the plumage of a chicken.
Chicken of the Woods is a polypore mushroom, meaning it has multiple pores on the underside of its cap instead of gills. This mushroom is highly sought after by foragers and mushroom enthusiasts due to its delicious taste and meaty texture.
These edibles can be prepared and cooked in a variety of ways. It is often used as a vegetarian substitute for chicken in dishes like stir-fries, soups, and sandwiches. When cooked, the mushroom has a mild, savory flavor that is often described as similar to chicken or seafood.
However, it is important to note that not all individuals can safely consume Chicken of the Woods. Some people may develop an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal distress after eating this mushroom. Therefore, it is recommended to consume small amounts at first to gauge one’s tolerance.
Shaggy Mane Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Coprinus Comatus
Where They Can Be Found: Lawns, Fields, and Grassy Areas
Shaggy Mane mushrooms can often be found in Wisconsin’s forests. These unique mushrooms have a distinctive look, with a shaggy cap that resembles a mane and a tall, slender stalk. They are white when young but turn a deep brown as they mature. They are edible when young, but as they grow, their gills start liquefying.
Shaggy Mane mushrooms are one of the two Coprinus mushroom species often found in Wisconsin, with the other being the Inky Cap mushroom.
One of the best times to find Shaggy Mane mushrooms in Wisconsin is in the fall, typically from September to November. It is important to note that Shaggy Mane mushrooms are highly perishable. They should be consumed quickly after cultivating to avoid spoilage.
When properly prepared, Shaggy Mane mushrooms have a unique flavor that is often described as nutty and slightly earthy. They can be sautéed, added to soups and sauces, or even used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. However, it is crucial to cook them thoroughly. Uncooked Shaggy Mane mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals.
Poisonous Mushrooms in Wisconsin
Alongside the popular edible species of mushrooms, there are also some poisonous species found in the state.
Fly Agaric
Scientific Name: Amanita Muscaria
Where They Can Be Found: Deciduous and Coniferous Forests
This species is easy to identify. Their fruiting bodies are their most recognizable feature. They have a white stalk with red or orange caps filled with white spots.
These mushrooms can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests. They are quite toxic and also have hallucinogenic effects.
False Morel Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Gyromitra spp.
Where They Can Be Found: On decaying hardwood trees, stumps, and logs
Because of their similar looks, False morels are affiliated with true morels.
False morels can make you really sick. True morels are completely hollow when you cut them in half, from top to bottom. False ones are usually filled with cottony or chunky stuff inside.
Jack-O’-Lantern Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Omphalotus olearius
Where They Can Be Found: On dead or dying hardwood trees, stumps, and logs
Jack-O’-Lantern mushrooms have a vibrant orange color. They have structures like gills that glow in the dark. These mushrooms are found in clusters and can be toxic if ingested.
Destroying Angels
Scientific Name: Amanita bisporigera
Where They Can Be Found: In the woods, near oak trees
These highly toxic mushrooms can damage livers and kidneys if consumed. They are white in color and have a smooth cap that flattens as they mature.
Death Cap
Scientific Name: Amanita phalloides
Where They Can Be Found: In the woods near oak trees
These deadly mushrooms are filled with toxins called amatoxins, which can cause liver failure, kidney failure, and even death. They have a yellowish-green cap and white gills.
Deadly Galerina
Scientific Name: Galerina marginata
Where They Can Be Found: On decaying woods
This small, brown mushroom is diminutive but highly deadly. It is a highly toxic fungal species that contains amatoxins, the same toxins found in the death cap and destroying angel mushrooms.
Identifying Edible Mushrooms: Safety Tips for Mushroom Foraging
It’s crucial to understand that identifying edible mushrooms is no small task. Many mushrooms look alike, and some can be poisonous. To keep safe, use a field guide, spore prints, identification apps, or better yet, learn from an experienced forager.
Using a Field Guide
Embarking on a mushroom hunt? Make sure to arm yourself with a reliable field guide. It is like a mushroom handbook. It has pictures and descriptions to help you tell the difference between mushrooms that are safe to eat and those that are not. Look for one that’s specific to Wisconsin’s flora. This will increase your chances of correct identification.
Making Spore Prints
Another cool method is creating spore prints. It’s like taking a mushroom’s fingerprint. You do this by placing the cap of the mushroom on a piece of paper and waiting for it to drop its spores.
The pattern and color of the spores can tell you a lot about what kind of mushroom you have. It’s a fun activity, and it adds an extra layer of safety to your mushroom picking.
Using Identification Apps
In today’s tech-savvy world, you can also use mushroom identification apps. These apps let you snap a picture of your find and compare it to a database of mushrooms. Just remember, while apps are helpful, they’re not always 100% accurate. So, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to skip the mushroom or ask an expert.
Learning from an Expert
Finally, the best way to learn is from someone who knows their stuff. Try to find an experienced forager in Wisconsin who can take you on a guided mushroom hunt. They can show you the ropes and teach you how to spot the tastiest and safest mushrooms in the wild. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy nature and make new friends!
Wisconsin Mycological Society
The Wisconsin Mycological Society is a group of mushroom enthusiasts and experts dedicated to the study and enjoyment of fungi in Wisconsin. The society offers educational programs, forays, and lectures on various aspects of mycology. They also provide opportunities for members to share their knowledge and experiences with one another.
Founded in 1967, the society has a long history of promoting the understanding and appreciation of fungi in the state. It also plays an important role in promoting conservation and sustainable harvesting practices. It also raises awareness about the important ecological roles that fungi play in the environment.
Wrapping It Up
There are many common mushrooms found in Wisconsin. A lot of these mushrooms are edible, while some are poisonous. There are also those mushrooms that are parasitic, for example Honey Mushrooms.
Before going for mushroom foraging, it is important to know what you are looking for. For this reason, it is best to consult with a field guide or an expert. They can help you distinguish between poisonous and non-poisonous species, some of which look very similar to one another.