Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in Indiana
Delve into a world filled with the mystique of mycelium as we explore the top 20 most common mushrooms found in the robust landscapes of Indiana. This state, known for its rich, fertile soil and diverse climates, presents an ideal habitat for a plethora of mushroom species. Discover the intricate ecosystems beneath your feet as you indulge in the intriguing marvels of mushroom diversity boasted by Indiana.
Most Common Mushrooms
1. Dryad's saddle
A familiar sight to spring morel hunters, dryad's saddle is noteworthy for its large size, striking scales, and watermelon-like smell. Similar to other mushrooms in the bracket fungi family, dryad's saddle can be used to make paper. Younger mushrooms are better suited for this purpose due to their smaller and more consistent fibers.
2. 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.
3. Chicken of the woods
Chicken of the woods is very noticeable in hardwood forests, appearing in clusters on standing tree trunks in bright orange and yellow hues that sometimes last through the entire winter. It is a parasite that causes an unfortunate brown heart rot, and is considered a particularly troublesome pest of Yew trees. If the fruitbodies can be seen, the tree is likely already beyond saving.
4. White jelly fungus
Unlike other jelly mushrooms, which are typically found on fresh deadwood, white jelly fungus grows on well-decayed wood from hardwood trees. Its fruiting body is indeed white, fading to muted brown hues with age. Its shape has garnered a wide range of comparisons, from brains to popcorn to coral.
5. Pear-shaped puffball
The mushrooms of this species grow in such tight clusters that they may cover fallen trees and stumps almost entirely in a brownish, puffy coat. Pear-shaped puffballs appear all around the northern hemisphere on decaying hardwoods from fall through winter.
6. Crown-tipped coral
Crown-tipped coral(Artomyces pyxidatus) is a widespread but uncommon species in North America and Western Europe whose Latin name, meaning "box-like," is inspired by its structure. It is one of the few coral fungi to fruit on wood. After a period of absence lasting over a century, it has recently reappeared in Great Britain.
7. Split gill
Split gill(Schizophyllum commune) can be found across the globe. Uniquely, it is the only mushroom species known to display the capability to retract by movement. It is considered inedible, although not necessarily toxic. Furthermore, it is not recommended to smell this species, as the spores are capable of sprouting and growing in nasal passages.
8. Cedar-apple rust
The vividly-colored fruitbodies of cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) might be mistaken for flowers, from a distance. Upon closer inspection they can be identified as fungal growths attacking the fruit of cedar trees. Their microscopic spores can travel up to an astounding 5 miles when carried on the wind and infect cedars quite far away, weakening the trees as they grow.
9. Orange mycena
The orange mycena is a bold little mushroom that is often found growing in large clusters on dead hardwoods. The species can be found in moist forests across eastern North America. Some of its orange-red pigment may rub off and stain skin upon handling, so this mushroom is best left alone.
10. Hexagonal-pored polypore
The name says it all! This species' most distinguishing feature is its pores, which are six (or sometimes four) sided and give the mushroom's undersides an almost honeycomb-like appearance. Found across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe, hexagonal-pored polypores prefer to grow on dead hardwood trees. Most sources consider this mushroom to be inedible, though non-toxic.
More
