Top 20 Most Common Mushrooms in Charlottesville

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. False Caesar's mushroom

The false Caesar's mushroom (Amanita parcivolvata) is an almost comical mushroom that looks like something from a cartoon. A brilliant red dome-shaped cap sits on top of a strikingly contrasting-colored stem. This cap also features notable yellow warts, which set it apart from other mushrooms of the same family.

6. Jack-o'lantern mushroom

The jack-o'lantern mushroom is so-called because of its bright orange color, and because it often appears in the fall (usually before Halloween, though). This vibrant little mushroom can be found growing on decaying hardwood stumps and logs. The species does have some superficial resemblances to the highly edible chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), but it is toxic and should be avoided!

7. 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.

8. Coral-pink merulius

The coral-pink merulius is a distinctive pink mushroom that grows on rotten wood. Interestingly, this mushroom almost always appears together with the False turkey tail (Stereum ostrea). If you spot one of them, the other one is probably somewhere near.

9. Crowded parchment

The crowded parchment is a common mushroom that can be found on dead hardwood material. The species is so-named because it grows in very thin, sheet-like shelves, which often become folded when they run up against each other. Crowded parchment is usually found in shades of brown, tan, or orange.

10. 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.

11. Violet-toothed polypore

This inedible shelf or bracket fungus grows in overlapping clusters and layers on hardwood stumps and fallen logs. It also causes a sapwood rot in standing trees. Check under the violet-toothed polypore's cap for its secret lilac-shaded pore surface studded with descending “teeth.”

12. 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.

13. Black-staining polypore

The black-staining polypore (Meripilus sumstinei) is strikingly large. This giant mushroom erupts from decaying tree roots and displays its flat caps in a rosette pattern. They range in color as they mature, starting out a pale yellow and turning dark and smokey looking with occasional black spots.

14. 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.

15. Birch mazegill

Birch mazegill(Lenzites betulina) is commonly found on decaying coniferous or deciduous woods. While its natural color is a yellowish brown, it may sometimes appear green due to its propensity to host algae. It is considered to be inedible on account of its tough and leathery texture.

16. 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.

17. Elegant stinkhorn

The elegant stinkhorn has a distinctive appearance and smell, hence the name "stinkhorn". The spores of this odd-looking mushroom must be dispersed by insects, particularly flies. The mushroom produces its odorous, spore-thick slime in order to attract these insects and attach its spores to their bodies.

18. False turkey-tail

A common woodland fungus found across North America, the false turkey-tail thrives in wet environs and can be found in copious quantities on decaying wood. The species is so-called because it looks similar the also-common Turkey Tail (Tremetes versicolor) - both species grow in thin, roughly semi-circular sheets. False turkey-tails have tough, woody bodies and are considered to be inedible.

19. Collared calostoma

The Lattice Puffball mushroom has a strange appearance, with a slimy-looking column of tentacular strands supporting a small, hollow cap. The strands absorb moisture and swell in the rain. This mushroom has a symbiotic relationship with oak trees.

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