The world of fungi is vast and fascinating, from mushrooms to issues like whether wearing socks causes toenail fungus. From the forest floor to your own backyard, fungi play a vital role in our ecosystems. They’re decomposers, recyclers, and even a food source for many creatures, including us. With the increased interest in foraging, many people are now curious about how to identify mushrooms and other fungi they find.
This guide is designed to help beginners identify fungi by picture, focusing on common visual characteristics. It’s important to note that this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for expert identification, especially when considering whether a mushroom is safe to eat. Never consume a mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.
We’ll cover key features like cap shape, stem characteristics, gills, and more to help you on your fungi identification journey.
Essential Tools and Resources for Fungi Identification
Identifying fungi can be challenging. It’s important to have the right tools and resources.
Field Guides and Books
A good field guide specific to your region is essential. Look for guides with detailed descriptions, clear photos, and easy-to-use identification keys. Examples include:
- “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms”
- “Mushrooms Demystified” by David Arora
Online Resources and Apps
Online databases and forums can be helpful for identification. Reputable websites like Mushroom Observer and apps like Picture Mushroom can provide valuable information. However, don’t rely solely on online sources. Always cross-reference information to confirm your identification.
Equipment for Collecting and Documenting Fungi
When collecting fungi for identification, you’ll need:
- Baskets or bags to carry specimens
- A knife to carefully dig up fungi
- A camera to take detailed photos from different angles, focusing on key features
High-quality pictures will be very helpful when you’re trying to identify the fungi.
Key Morphological Features to Observe
When you’re trying to identify fungi using pictures or in person, you’ll want to pay close attention to certain key features. These are like clues that help you narrow down the possibilities.
Cap (Pileus)
The cap is the “hat” of the mushroom. Note these elements:
- Shape: Is it convex (like a dome), flat, umbonate (with a raised bump in the center), or funnel-shaped? There are many variations.
- Surface: Is the cap smooth, scaly, sticky, or dry? Run your fingers over it (if it’s safe to touch) to get a sense of the texture.
- Color: What color is the cap? Does the color change toward the center or the edges?
Gills (Lamellae) or Pores
Look underneath the cap. Does the mushroom have gills or pores?
- Attachment: How do the gills attach to the stalk? Are they free (not touching the stalk), adnate (attached directly), or decurrent (running down the stalk)?
- Spacing: Are the gills close together, crowded, or far apart?
- Color: What color are the gills or pores?
Stipe (Stalk)
The stipe is the stem of the mushroom.
- Shape: Is it cylindrical, club-shaped, or tapered?
- Surface: Is it smooth, scaly, or ringed?
- Presence of a ring (annulus) or volva: An annulus is a ring-like structure on the stalk, while a volva is a cup-like structure at the base. These can be important clues.
Spores
Spores are like the seeds of the mushroom, but fungal infections can also affect other parts of the body, like the nails; see fingernail fungus images for examples. Identifying them requires some extra work.
- Spore prints: Making a spore print can help you determine the color of the spores, which is a key identifier. To make a spore print, place the cap of the mushroom, gill-side down, on a piece of paper for several hours. The spores will drop onto the paper, creating a pattern.
- Microscopic analysis: For a truly definitive identification, you’ll often need to analyze the spores under a microscope.
Photographing fungi for identification
If you want to identify a fungus later, you’ll need to take good pictures. It’s not as simple as just pointing and shooting. Here are some tips for getting the shots you’ll need.
Lighting and composition
When you can, use natural light to photograph fungi. But be careful not to put them in harsh, direct sunlight.
Take photos from different angles to capture all the important features.
Focus and detail
Make sure the most important features of the fungus are in focus. That includes the cap, gills (or pores), and stipe (or stem).
Take close-up shots of the features that will help with identification.
Including scale
It’s important to show the size of the mushroom or fungus. Place a ruler or another object of known size next to the fungus when you take the picture.
Documenting habitat
Take photos of the area around the fungus. Note what kinds of trees are nearby and the type of soil it’s growing in. All of these clues can help you identify the fungi later.
Common Fungi and Their Distinguishing Features
When you’re trying to identify fungi by picture, it’s helpful to know some of the key features of common types.
Edible Mushrooms
Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius)
Chanterelles are shaped like a funnel and have what are called “false gills.” These aren’t really gills, but more like ridges on the underside of the cap. They also have a distinctive fruity smell.
Be careful, though! Some mushrooms look a lot like chanterelles, so don’t eat anything unless you’re absolutely sure what it is.
Morels (Morchella spp.)
Morels have a cap that looks pitted, like a honeycomb. They also have a hollow stem. Always cook morels thoroughly before eating them.
Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Oyster mushrooms look like shelves growing out of wood. The gills run down the stem. They’re a pretty common find.
Poisonous Mushrooms
Never eat a mushroom you aren’t 100% certain about.
Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)
Death Caps have a greenish cap, a ring around the stem (annulus), and a bulbous base (volva). They are extremely poisonous. Eating just a small amount can be deadly.
Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa)
Destroying Angels are white and also have an annulus and volva, like the Death Cap. They’re also deadly, so stay far away.
Jack O’Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus olearius)
These mushrooms are orange and grow in clusters on wood. They’re poisonous and will cause serious stomach problems if you eat them.
Other Notable Fungi
Puffballs (Calvatia spp.)
Puffballs are round. When they’re mature, the inside turns into a powdery spore mass. Some are edible when they’re young and firm, but it’s best to avoid them unless you’re an expert.
Shelf Fungi (Ganoderma spp.)
These fungi are woody and grow on trees in the shape of a bracket or shelf, unlike toenail fungus which affects the nails.
Important Note: This is just a brief overview. Identifying fungi can be tricky, and mistakes can be dangerous. Always consult with an expert before eating any wild mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lichen fungus look like?
Lichens aren’t actually fungi on their own, but rather a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria. They can appear in a variety of forms – crusty, leafy (foliose), or shrubby (fruticose) – and come in a wide range of colors, from greens and grays to yellows and oranges.
What is the difference between a mushroom and a fungi?
Think of a mushroom as the fruiting body of a fungus, like an apple is to an apple tree. The main part of the fungus, the mycelium (a network of thread-like filaments), is usually hidden underground or within its food source. The mushroom is just the reproductive structure.
Can I take a picture of a mushroom and identify it?
Absolutely! Taking a picture is a great first step. While a single photo might not be enough for a definitive ID, it provides valuable information. Focus on capturing details like the cap shape, stem, gills (or pores), and the surrounding environment.
Where can I send a picture of a mushroom for identification?
Online mushroom identification groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit are excellent resources. Also, consider using mushroom identification apps or websites powered by image recognition technology. Remember, expert advice is always best, especially if you’re considering consuming the mushroom.
How do I know what type of fungus I have?
Identifying a fungus requires a multi-faceted approach. Consider its physical characteristics (shape, color, texture), its habitat (where it’s growing), and, if possible, microscopic features. Using field guides, online resources, and consulting with mycologists (fungus experts) can help you narrow down the possibilities.
Summary
It’s important to be careful when you’re trying to identify wild mushrooms, and you should never eat a mushroom unless you’re certain you know what it is. Mistaking one mushroom for another can have serious consequences for your health.
When you’re trying to identify a mushroom, be sure to check more than one source of information, and talk to an expert if you can. Only pick mushrooms that you are sure you can identify, and be sure to leave the area as you found it so others can enjoy it too.