Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in Tucson Estates

1. Desert shaggy mane

As its name suggests, the desert shaggy mane (Podaxis pistillaris) erupts from seemingly improbably conditions, out of the hot and arid ground in North American deserts. They are commonly found living harmoniously with colonies of termites in termite mounds. The desert shaggy mane is toxic and not safe to consume.

2. Fly agaric

In Northern Asia and Europe, fly agaric grows under trees near the winter solstice and is collected for ritual use tied to the season. Its characteristic shape and coloring are still ubiquitous in many European fairy tale illustrations and Christmas traditions. It is highly toxic.

3. Battarreoides diguetii

4. Sandy stiltball

Sandy stiltball(Battarrea phalloides) is an unusually tall species of puffball, a family of mushrooms that do not usually have noticeable stalks. Due to declining numbers in the wild, is illegal to pick in certain countries (including Hungary and the United Kingdom). Its edibility remains unstudied, and consumption is not advised.

5. Rosy polypore

The leathery surface of the rosy polypore (Rhodofomes cajanderi) can range in color from dusty pink to a dark, camel brown color, which varies as they mature. Rosy's name references the cap's underside, where a cheerfully-colored bottom creates some interest in this otherwise forgettable mushroom. It is not edible and will cause gastric distress if consumed.

6. Gasteroid agaricus

Gasteroid agaricus has evolved to flourish in arid or semi-arid environments. Noted for its distinctive bulbous cap that does not fully expand, this mushroom was only recently transferred to the Agaricus genus. Gasteroid agaricus can be found singly or on groups and retains a partial veil despite its maturity.

7. Dyer's polypore

This shelf fungus grows annually on living coniferous trees and may kill its host if left untreated. As the name suggests, dyer's polypore can be used to produce dye for yarn in a variety of shades from yellow to orange to brown, depending on the age of the mushroom used and also the type of metal it’s processed in. It is not considered edible.

8. False parasol

Though the false parasol appears unassuming, the species is famous—or, infamous—for its toxicity. It looks unfortunately similar to Agericus campestrus, a commonly eaten mushroom, but the false parasol can be distinguished by its highly unusual green spore print. Although they are no good to eat, they can be pretty to look at. The species may grow in ring-shaped groups in meadows and on forest floors in what are sometimes called "fairy circles."

9. Flowerpot parasol

This tropical/subtropical mushroom is known to be toxic. If eaten it causes a very unpleasant stomachache with the risk of fatal complications. In temperate zones, flowerpot parasol is only found in hothouses and greenhouses, so the risk of accidental foraging is low, but it may occur with potted plants and indoor landscaping and pose a risk to curious children.

10. Bright cobblestone lichen

11. Spring polypore

Morel mushroom hunters may be most familiar with spring polypore since it is one of the earliest mushrooms to appear in the spring, as hinted by its name. Lentinus mushrooms typically have gills, but when investigated, this mushroom reveals surprising honeycomb-shaped pores.

12. False chanterelle

The common name of this mushroom refers to the fact that it looks very similar to the edible and highly prized Chanterelle. This species, however, tastes bitter and may cause poisoning symptoms. False chanterelle occurs around the northern hemisphere in autumn and winter, growing on coniferous detritus, and is more likely to fruit in dry conditions rather than the usual wet.

13. Rusty gilled polypore

Rusty gilled polypore(Gloeophyllum sepiarium) is a fungus most commonly found on dead pieces of conifer wood, and it is a common visitor to lumberyards. The growing zone on the fruiting body is easily demarcated by its yellow, orange or white coloring, resembling a strip along the outside of the structure. This species is considered inedible.

14. Montagnea arenaria

The cap of montagnea arenaria (Montagnea arenaria) has tough skin that acts as a shield to protect its dark spores until they are mature. Although the cap is rigid, it is commonly found looking tattered and weather-worn, almost fringe-like. Unlike many other mushrooms, they thrive in arid areas and are seen in deserts and other places with very little rainfall.

15. Sulcate sunhead

Sulcate sunhead is the only species in the genus of Heliocybe. This tiny mushroom loves sunny locations, which is implied from its scientific name, Heliocybe sulcata - the word "h**eliocybe" means "the sun-head". It is coined from the Greek "helios", meaning "the sun", and "cybe" which means "head".

16. Common greenshield lichen

The common greenshield lichen is a familiar species in temperate forests around the world. It can be found growing on rock outcroppings and trees in a wide variety of habitats. Individuals can grow to be quite large and may be gregarious, forming large mats or sheets on suitable surfaces. Like other lichens, the common greenshield lichen will shrivel and harden when moisture is scarce.

17. Common toadskin

18. Southern jack o'lantern

As the name implies, the Southern jack o'lantern is not only a striking pumpkin-like orange color, but it also has the ability to glow in the dark — resembling carved Halloween jack o'lanterns with candles in them. This phenomenon that the southern jack o'lantern produces is called bioluminescence and is most evident at the peak of spore production.

19. Eastern cauliflower mushroom

Eastern cauliflower mushroom is a saprobic mushroom that grows on deeply buried rotting roots and can reoccur in the same place for years until the root becomes disturbed. It is named 'cauliflower mushroom' because it resembles a cauliflower (or brain!).

20. Short-stemmed russula

The short-stemmed russula can be found near all types of trees, sometimes cropping up in groups of hundreds across the ground. As its common name would suggest, the stalk tends to be very short compared to its cap. Some mycologists are of the opinion that several distinct species are being lumped together under this name, due to variations found in physical features and habitats across populations.

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year