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Bulbous honey fungus

Armillaria gallica

A species of Honey fungi

Bulbous honey fungus is characterized by bulbous or swollen stem bases in the fruiting mushrooms. Like all Armillarias, it occurs as a network of tendrils beneath the ground that produce visible mushrooms seasonally. A single organism can be thousands of years old and weigh over 1000 kg.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, subtly sweet, not distinctive.

General Info About Bulbous honey fungus

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Attributes of Bulbous honey fungus

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

3 - 10 cm; convex, flat; tan; dry or sticky

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

close, short-gills frequent; whitish, discoloring pinkish to brownish

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

4 - 7 cm long, 1 - 3 cm thick; club-shaped, with a swollen base; whitish to brownish when fresh

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Whitish; unchanging colors when sliced

Ring

Yellow ring zone

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, subtly sweet, not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Bronze

Pink

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods, On soil, Wood of Living Trees

You can find Bulbous honey fungus by these plants:

Coast live oak

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Bulbous honey fungus

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Bulbous honey fungus

The bulbous honey fungus grows in wooded areas, but it tends to appear in urban areas in the places where deciduous trees were removed. Its mushrooms grow on forest litter, dead stumps, and decaying or buried wood.

Hunting Values of Bulbous honey fungus

Must be cooked before eating.

Uses of Bulbous honey fungus

Bulbous honey fungus is a mushroom recognized for its culinary use, albeit with necessary precautions due to potential confusion with toxic species. It's harvested for its unique taste and is considered valuable by foragers when correctly identified. Its edibility has sparked interest, though it's not widely popular owing to the careful identification required. Bulbous honey fungus is usually available in certain seasons, and those who collect it must be well-informed about the risks of misidentification. Always consult an expert before consuming.

Scientific Classification of Bulbous honey fungus

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Physalacriaceae

Genus

Honey fungi

Toxicity and Edibility of Bulbous honey fungus

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Edibility of Bulbous honey fungus

Bulbous honey fungus may be technically edible, but it has fallen out of favor in recent years, as there are a few reports of people becoming sick after eating this species. Some also stay away from bulbous honey fungus because the species has some potentially toxic lookalikes, including the shaggy scalycap (Pholiota squarrosa).

Similar Species to Bulbous honey fungus

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Ringless honey mushroom

Similar Species

Bulbous honey fungus

How to Differentiate Between Ringless honey mushroom and Bulbous honey fungus?

Bulbous honey fungus: Typically has a tough, fibrous stem with a persistent ring.

Ringless honey mushroom: Stem is more brittle and lacks a ring.

Tips for Finding Bulbous honey fungus

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When is the Best Time to Find Bulbous honey fungus

Search for bulbous honey fungus in late summer to early autumn, when the air turns crisp and after periods of rain. Ideal temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) to 68°F (20°C), especially during the morning or late afternoon.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Bulbous honey fungus

Prefers rich, organic matter-laden soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Bulbous honey fungus

Search in wooded areas where hardwood trees are common, as bulbous honey fungus typically grows on or near decaying wood sources.
Inspect the bases of trees and stumps, as well as any areas with visible wood debris on the ground.
Look for mushrooms that may seem terrestrial but are in fact connected to underground roots or buried wood.
Check around dead stumps, where bulbous honey fungus may grow gregariously or in loose clusters.

How to Clean and Preserve Bulbous honey fungus

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How to Clean Bulbous honey fungus

Gently brush off any debris from the surface of bulbous honey fungus, using a soft brush. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the mushroom, but avoid soaking it, as bulbous honey fungus can absorb water and become mushy.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Bulbous honey fungus

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures controlled temperature, promoting even and efficient moisture removal.

Oven drying: Uses low heat to slowly evaporate water; suitable for small batches.

Air drying: Utilizes natural air flow, best in arid climates; may take longer.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Bulbous honey fungus

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

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

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Bulbous honey fungus

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow moisture absorption and air circulation. Effective for mushrooms with higher water content.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Wrap in perforated plastic to maintain humidity while preventing moisture accumulation and spoilage.

Cloth Wrapping: Encase mushrooms in a clean, damp cloth to keep them moist but not wet, preserving texture and freshness.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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