You may have already heard of the traits needed to precisely identify a mushroom species: whether it has gills or pores, what color the spore print is, etc. However, recognizing the kind of tree a mushroom grows on or near is just as invaluable.
Fungi, even saprobic ones, are often quite specific about the plants they associate with. As such, we’ve prepared a list of trees most likely to yield you a shroomy treat—and our app will help you recognize both when you find them.
Pine (Pinus spp.)
Aside from their tall stature, you’ll be able to tell these trees apart from other conifers by their spaced-out branches, rough and woody cones, and needles that grow in clusters of 2–7 at once. Many pines also feature a distinctly orange-to-red bark that comes off in chips.
Look for these mushrooms growing with a live or dying pine:
- porcini (Boletus edulis)
- chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.)
- wood hedgehog (Hydnum repandum)
- wood blewit (Clitocybe nuda)
- chicken fat (Suillius americanus)
Spruce (Picea spp.)
Their renowned conical shapes and dense crowns make these trees easy to spot at a distance. However, to avoid mixing them up with pines, make sure to check their needles and cones. The former should be firm, sharp, and grow from the branches in singles, whereas the latter should have thin scales that bend easily.
Mushrooms associated with live and dying spruces:
- porcini (Boletus edulis)
- wood hedgehog (Hydnum repandum)
- wood blewit (Clitocybe nuda)
- lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
Oak (Quercus spp.)
Out of all hardwoods, these are perhaps the shroomiest ones around! Look out for their characteristic roundly- or sharply-lobed leaves, deeply ridged and rough bark, and, of course, acorns—you might just be greatly rewarded for your efforts.
Mushrooms associated with live and dying oaks:
- honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
- maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.)
- wood blewit (Clitocybe nuda)
- black trumpet (Craterellus cornucopioides)
- beefsteak fungus (Fistulina hepatica)
Mushrooms associated with dead oaks:
- oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- chicken-of-the-woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
- turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
Beech (Fagus spp.)
These close relatives of oaks feature simple, finely serrated leaves with prominent feather-like veins, relatively smooth bark even on older specimens, and hairy fruit capsules that split open when ripe.
Mushrooms associated with live and dying beeches:
- black trumpet (Craterellus cornucopioides)
- maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
- morel (Morchella esculenta)
Mushrooms associated with dead beeches:
- lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- dryad’s saddle (Cerioporus squamosus)
Birch (Betula spp.)
Though commonly recognized by their striped black-upon-white trunks, different species may have bark that’s dark gray or reddish. In that case, try peeling it—it’ll likely come off in papery strips. The leaves of most birches are double-serrated and slightly folded inward.
Mushrooms associated with live and dying birches:
- chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
- birch bolete (Leccinum scabrum)
- red-capped scaber stalk (Leccinum aurantiacum)
- honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
Mushrooms associated with dead birches:
- lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- chicken-of-the-woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
Cottonwood (Populus spp.)
In summer, you won’t have any trouble identifying those trees with all the fuzz they’ll be producing. Outside of that, though, your best bet is to look for toothed triangular leaves, fissured grayish-brown bark, and a tall stature.
Mushrooms associated with live and dying cottonwoods:
- morel (Morchella esculenta)
Mushrooms associated with dead cottonwoods:
- oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- velvet shank (Flammulina velutipes)
- chicken-of-the-woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
- crown coral (Artomyces pyxidatus)
Willow (Salix spp.)
Outside of weeping willows, identification of other Salix species can be tough. Their leaves are usually narrow, lance-like, and bluish or grayish, yet can also be oblong and serrated. They can grow quite tall, but some species remain shrub-like their whole lives. Look for their fuzzy catkins in spring—they’ll let you know for sure that you’ve come across a willow.
Mushrooms associated with live and dying willows:
- red-capped scaber stalk (Leccinum aurantiacum)
Mushrooms associated with dead willows:
- oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- velvet shank (Flammulina velutipes)
- chicken-of-the-woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
- dryad’s saddle (Cerioporus squamosus)
- crown coral (Artomyces pyxidatus)
Remember to never pick a mushroom unless you’re 100% certain of its species, refrain from foraging anywhere in or nearby polluted areas, cook mushrooms thoroughly, and be respectful of nature as you go. Happy hunting!