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Honey fungus

Armillaria mellea

A species of Honey fungi, Also known as Bootlace fungus

The honey fungus is a parasitic fungus that grows on the roots of many woody and perennial plants, damaging and possibly killing its host. It spreads underground and is considered to be the most damaging fungal disease in gardens across the UK. The appearance of the mushrooms above-ground heralds a much more extensive infection below.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 15 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Honey fungus

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Attributes of Honey fungus

Cap Diameter

3 - 15 cm

Height

6 - 20 cm

Cap

Cap 3.5 - 12 cm across; convex, umbonate; pale yellow-olive to orange-brown; with scales

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Decurrent; close; cream

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 7 - 20 cm long, 5 - 20 mm thick; cream, dark brown

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Whitish to very slightly pinkish; unchanging when sliced

Ring

Upper part of the stipe; skin-like; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Gold

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Honey fungus by these plants:

Black cherry, Oaks, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Honey fungus

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Honey fungus

Honey fungus is found in broadleaf forests and orchards, and occasionally on conifers. It usually grows as a parasite upon living trees, spreading underground between them, but can also feed on stumps, dead roots, and fallen branches.

Distribution Area of Honey fungus

North America,Europe, northern Asia; introduced in South Africa

Hunting Values of Honey fungus

Requires cooking before eating.

Uses of Honey fungus

Honey fungus is a mushroom that's considered edible with precautions due to potential confusion with toxic species and the necessity of thorough cooking to break down harmful compounds. It has a collection value for foragers during its growing season, usually autumn. While not among the most popular, it's used in traditional culinary practices, especially within local communities familiar with its identification and preparation. Consumers must be aware of the safety risks when harvesting and consuming honey fungus.

Scientific Classification of Honey fungus

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Physalacriaceae

Genus

Honey fungi

Toxicity and Edibility of Honey fungus

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Is Honey fungus Toxic?

The honey fungus, a deadly parasite of trees, was once considered edible, but as mild and moderate gastrointestinal symptoms were increasingly reported after consumption, caution is now advised. Poisonous when raw, the honey fungus causes gastric upset in some people even when cooked. Armillaria mellea are variable in their shape, color, and growth form, so extra caution when identifying this species is advised.

Is Honey fungus Toxic to Dogs?

Though not poisonous to humans, honey fungus is reportedly toxic to dogs. The degree of toxicity is unclear but since this is a common root-killing woodland fungus there is a risk of your dog finding and eating it while in woodlands. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and gastric pain.

Edibility of Honey fungus

Honey fungus is edible when thoroughly cooked. After cooking, this mushroom is firm and granular and has a sweet flavor. However, honey fungus is variable in appearance, with colors that range from a burnt amber to almost yellow. This makes it easily confused for other mushrooms that may be toxic. Caution should be warranted when consuming this mushroom as some people report gastric upset.

Similar Species to Honey fungus

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Ringless honey mushroom

Similar Species

Honey fungus

Confusing Aspects of Ringless honey mushroom and Honey fungus?

Honey fungus and Ringless honey mushroom share similarities in color, shape, and preferred growth environments, leading to confusion.

How to Differentiate Between Ringless honey mushroom and Honey fungus?

Honey fungus: Possesses a prominent, skirt-like ring.

Ringless honey mushroom: Lacks a definitive ring.

Tips for Finding Honey fungus

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When is the Best Time to Find Honey fungus

Search for honey fungus during late summer to late autumn. Ideal conditions are after periods of rain followed by mild weather, with a preference for cooler evenings and warm, not hot, daytime temperatures.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Honey fungus

Moist, woody substrate, not strictly soil-based.

What are Some Tips for Finding Honey fungus

Search near the base of trees, especially where dead or decaying hardwood is present.
Look for clusters on tree trunks, stumps, or fallen branches within forested areas.
Inspect the ground for signs of black rhizomorphs, which indicate nearby honey fungus.
Explore areas with recent rainfall, as honey fungus often emerges after such conditions.
Check both living and dead broad-leaf trees, including those in orchards, for honey fungus.

How to Clean and Preserve Honey fungus

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How to Clean Honey fungus

To clean honey fungus, remove any soil by cutting above the dirt line and knock gently to dislodge debris. Check for small life forms. Use a damp cloth to wipe each section, removing dirt, larvae, and other foreign matter. Handle the mushrooms delicately to maintain their integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Honey fungus

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dry place with airtight containers and proper ventilation.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for consistent drying, particularly for high moisture content.

Oven drying: Useful for quicker dehydration with controlled temperatures.

Air drying: Cost-effective, suitable for low humidity environments.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Honey fungus

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing