Home > Northern honey mushroom

Northern honey mushroom

Armillaria borealis

A species of Honey fungi

Northern honey mushroom(Armillaria borealis) is a cold-climate specialist that enjoys the northern habitats. The Latin name borealis also refers to this preferred boreal habitat. This parasitic tree-growing mushroom grows high on the trunks of its host tree.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 8 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, faintly noticeable.

General Info About Northern honey mushroom

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Northern honey mushroom

Cap Diameter

2 - 8 cm

Height

5 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 8 cm in diameter; convex then flat; orange-brown; hygrophanous, surface covered with small brown pointed scales

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Adnate or shortly decurrent; crowded; white, cream, then orange

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4.5 - 12 cm long; slender, with a clavate base, tapering towards the apex; palest at the apex, colour as cap below the ring; with persistent yellowish woolly scales

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Firm; whitish

Ring

Thick; persistent, narrow

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Very pale cream

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, faintly noticeable.

Body Color

Brown

Green

Orange

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Northern honey mushroom by these plants:

Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Very rare in Britain and Ireland

Endangered Species

How to Identify Northern honey mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Northern honey mushroom

Northern honey mushroom is typically found on living or dead trees, especially hardwoods like birches, and often emerges high on the trunk.

Hunting Values of Northern honey mushroom

Must be cooked before consumption.

Uses of Northern honey mushroom

Northern honey mushroom is recognized as an edible mushroom but must be approached with caution. It holds potential in culinary practices when properly identified and prepared, as misidentification can lead to health risks. The species is not widely popular due to these safety concerns, and it's advisable to consume northern honey mushroom only after thorough cooking and never raw. Its availability may vary seasonally, which can affect its collection value. Always consult with experts before utilizing northern honey mushroom for any practical use.

Scientific Classification of Northern honey mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Physalacriaceae

Genus

Honey fungi

Similar Species to Northern honey mushroom

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Funeral bell

Similar Species

Northern honey mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Funeral bell and Northern honey mushroom?

Northern honey mushroom: Cap often dry, scaly, not slimy.

Funeral bell: Cap smooth, slimy when moist.

Tips for Finding Northern honey mushroom

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Northern honey mushroom

Search for northern honey mushroom in late summer to fall, as cooler temperatures and moist conditions after rains enhance their growth. Mild days following a period of rainfall are particularly fruitful times for foraging.

What are Some Tips for Finding Northern honey mushroom

Search around standing hardwood and coniferous trees, especially birches, for northern honey mushroom.
Inspect the trunks of trees, starting from the base and moving upward, as northern honey mushroom often grows well above ground.
Look for northern honey mushroom on dead or dying trees where they may be more visible due to less foliage.
Examine dead stumps and logs, as northern honey mushroom can also occasionally be found on these substrates.

How to Clean and Preserve Northern honey mushroom

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Northern honey mushroom

To clean northern honey mushroom, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove debris. If necessary, briefly rinse with water, but avoid soaking.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Northern honey mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good air circulation.

Dehydrator drying: Removes moisture efficiently, maintaining texture, nutrients, and flavor.

Oven drying: A controlled environment allows gradual water removal without overcooking.

Air drying: Natural method, suitable for low-humidity climates; requires no energy usage.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Northern honey mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserving texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Northern honey mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows moisture to escape, preventing sogginess (approximately 20 words).

Cardboard Box Storage: Absorbs excess moisture, keeping them dry.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Perforations permit air circulation, reducing condensation.

Cloth Wrapping: Ensures breathable containment, reducing spoilage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free