Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in North Carolina
Nestled among the Appalachian Mountains and Atlantic coastlines, North Carolina boasts a vibrant ecosystem ideal for mushroom growth. Thanks to a dense forestry, mild winters, and plentiful rainfall, mycelium thrive, each unfolding from the earth as vibrant reminders of North Carolina's rich biodiversity. This diverse state is home to an estimated 20 common mushroom species, each with unique characteristics worth exploring for the mycologist within us all.
Most Common Mushrooms
1. Red chanterelle
Red chanterelles can be found growing within hardwood forests across eastern North America. These small but striking mushrooms range from orange to red to pink in color. Edible and boasting complex flavors, many chanterelles are highly sought after. The red chanterelle, though less famous than some of its close relatives, is no exception. This species can be used in all sorts of recipes, with a vaguely sweet or piney taste.
2. Indigo milk cap
This gorgeous species is unlike any other. The indigo milk cap, a member of the often-drab russula family, is deep blue in color. Like other milk caps, it bleeds a latex-like substance when cut or damaged, but instead of the usual white this species bleeds deep blue.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Bush beard lichen
Bush beard lichen is a shrub-like lichen. It is called Bush beard lichen after its white and dangling heads that have the appearance of beards. It is incredibly small at only 4 cm tall and can be found on deadwood bark.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Smooth rock tripe
Smooth rock tripe is one of the largest types of lichen in the world. The vegetative part of a lichen's body has been recorded reaching 63 cm across. Though directly translating to "small-breasted," the mammulata epithet was given because many specimens develop a navel-like shape. The common name of "tripe" references its similarity to the food of the same name.
9. Tree lungwort
Tree lungwort is a green lichen that can be found in humid areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows regularly on trees, rocks, and in urban areas rich with moss. It can be used as a dye. Animals may consume tree lungwort or use it as nesting material.
10. Jackson's slender caesar
The jackson's slender caesar is a strikingly colorful member of the Amanita genus. The mushroom's bold hues - it often sports deep reds, oranges, or yellows - make it easily identifiable. Jackson's slender caesars are native to eastern North America, and particularly common in the pine forests of the American southeast.
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