Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in Tucson

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. 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.

4. Battarreoides diguetii

5. 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.

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. 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.

8. Lobster mushroom

The lobster mushroom is actually not a species of mushroom, per-se. When Hypomyces lactifluorum mold attacks one of several common species of Russula mushrooms, it transforms them into lobster mushrooms: they shrivel, harden slightly, and turn bright orange or vermillion. Surprisingly, this only makes them more flavorful. Lobster mushrooms are highly sought after for their distinctive, seafood-like flavor when cooked. Upset stomachs have been reported when eaten raw.

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. 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.

11. Rocky mountain red

Rocky mountain red is a bold mushroom that is easy to identify. Only recently classified in 2014, this reddish-brown capped bolete is found in the Rocky Mountains beneath spruces. It has been observed to have a symbiotic relationship with Engelmann Spruce. Rocky mountain red was previously classed under B. Edulis and mature specimens can host small fly larvae.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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."

15. Bright cobblestone lichen

16. Suillus kaibabensis

Suillus kaibabensis is a hardy yellow member of the genus Suillus. While yellow is the primary color, it can also include brown and white tones in varying degrees as well. This mushroom has a stem around 2–4 cm long, and 1–2 cm thick. The cap is broad and convex to flat, typical of many species of boletes. The stipe is bare, spotted with olive brown and can be reddish-brown at the base. The pores are yellowish-brown that can turn a salmon color with age.

17. Lion's Mane Mushroom

Lion's Mane Mushroom(Hericium erinaceus) is easily identifiable by its characteristic appearance, reminiscent of the majestic mane of a lion. It often sprouts along hardwoods, which may be living or dead. Scientists thus debate whether this species is truly parasitic or merely saprophytic in nature.

18. Turkey tail

The distinctively-striped turkey tail fungus grows on stumps and logs all over the forests of the northern hemisphere. It is, in fact, probably the most common species you will find. That doesn't mean this mushroom is plain, however; each cap is uniquely patterned. Look for bands of alternating textures as well as color.

19. 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.

20. Chicken-of-the-woods

Chicken-of-the-woods is a brightly-colored polypore related to the famed Chicken-of-the-Woods (Laetiporus sulphereus). The species are so closely related, that it was not until the 2000s that mycologists considered them to be distinct. Unlike its famed relative, the species is not considered a choice edible - there are conflicting reports as to its edibility, with some probable cases of gastrointestinal distress noted.

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