Boletus edulis. Called “king bolete,” these have a thick stalk and a nut-like cap. They are found near the roots of trees.
Laetiporus sulphureus. Called “chicken of the woods,” this fungus grows as a parasite on dead wood. The creamy yellow/orange mushroom forms a cascading series of shelves resembling a lava flow, and yes, it tastes like chicken.
Coprinus comatus. Known as “shaggy mane,” these are abundant in the fall. They have a large cap that looks somewhat like an artillery shell. These should be eaten shortly after picking or the cap will deteriorate into a gooey mass. This mushroom is found in grassy fields.
Langermannia gigantea. Known to kids far and wide as a “giant puffball,” this fungus must be eaten fresh, when its flesh is white. They are found in fields.
Craterellus cornucopiodes. The “horn of plenty” is black and looks rather unappetizing, but its trumpet-like shape is recognizable, and the mushroom is quite tasty.
Pleurotus ostreatus. Called “oyster mushrooms,” these fungi look fragile and flare from the stem. They have a slightly meaty taste.
Cantharellus. Chanterelle Mushrooms are beautiful orange mushrooms with a white inside. These are a choice mushroom.
Morechella esculenta. The morel, which resembles a pine cone or Christmas tree-shaped sponge on a stalk, is commonly found in the spring in wooded areas.
Can I legally get these in Pa?
You sure can. You can find them by foraging, and you can find some of them in country markets.
Yes, mushrooms are allowed to be picked from any public land but, plants are much more tightly regulated.
I have mushrooms growing on a old log in my back yard how do I know is they are good to eat or bad to eat ?????
What about Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Pennsylvania here. I found a VERY BRIGHT Orange mushroom growing on dead ( non pine) logs. I harvested chicken shrooms and then spotted the orange ones. I can’t find any pics of them. Closest is a Poisonous Jack o L lantern but i can’t be sure. ANY help would be appreciated on identifying this beauty. It’s roughly 2.5 to 3 inch across .
It’s hard to say without a picture. If its bright orange Jacks would be a good guess.
chicken of the woods is a poly pore, with spongy like pits on the underside. Jack-o-lantern mushrooms have gills; they also tend to be shiny/wetter and can glow in the dark.
Retired and would like pictures of edible mushrooms in Somerset co pa. Familiar with edible plants but have only eaten chicken of the woods
I live down in Ligonier. 🙂
You can find all these mushrooms growing in Somerset!
Do quarines grow in penn
I was under the impression that mushrooms with white gills meant they were toxic. Is that not always the case?
No, Oysters are the perfect example.
But if you are unsure about the mushroom, do not eat it.
I am interested in hunting for edible mushrooms in northwestern Pennsylvania. However, I fear collecting poisonous mushrooms. What advice can you give me or what book would serve me best?