Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in San Diego
Welcome to our exploration of the top 20 common mushrooms found in San Diego. Known for its year-round mild climate and beaches, this vibrant city also boasts an ample spectrum of mushrooms. In San Diego, fungi thrive due to the varied ecosystems creating a unique and diverse mycological arena. For nature enthusiasts and mycophiles, San Diego surely offers an unexpected treasure.
Most Common Mushrooms
1. 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."
2. Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom
The western jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olivascens) may be the most visually striking mushroom of the forest during day and night. During the day, brilliant large orange flat caps grow from both the ground and decaying stumps. At night, these mushrooms may glow in the dark, depending on location and maturity.
3. Bright cobblestone lichen
4. Big sheath mushroom
These large white mushrooms bloom all over cleared, harvested fields, as well as pastures and roadsides. The scientific species name comes from Greek words meaning “glue” (glioio) and “head” (cephalus), in reference to the sticky surface of this mushroom’s cap. The big sheath mushroom looks so similar to the poisonous Deathcap and Destroying Angel mushrooms that it should always be left alone.
5. 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.
6. Springtime amanita
The springtime amanita is so-called because it normally fruits in late winter or early spring. The species, which has a cap toned with pale orange, pink, or brown, may be mistaken for toxic Amanita species, especially when it is young. Springtime amanitas can be found along the coast from southern Oregon down through California.
7. Shaggy mane
The shaggy mane mushroom is commonly found in North American and European grasslands. Some peoples foraged for its young egg-shaped caps, but it has more recently been found to be a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, meaning it pulls toxic metals up from the soil where it grows. As a result, shaggy manes should not be eaten. The mushrooms usually appear in clusters or “fairy rings.”
8. Ganoderma polychromum
The ganoderma polychromum is a polypore mushroom that grows on wood. The members of the Ganoderma genus, including the Ganoderma polychromum, are so tough that they can be woodier than the tree or wood they feed on.
9. Milky conecap
A delicate little fairy-tale-looking mushroom, the milky conecap shows up in moist woodlands, fields, and lawns. The species' common name refers to its deep and pointed cap, which looks much like a garden gnome's hat. While the species is not known to be toxic, it is too small and delicate to bother with for culinary purposes.
10. 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.
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