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Dark honey mushroom

Armillaria ostoyae

A species of Honey fungi

This parasitic fungus species has the ability to damage large swathes of forest. It lives as interwoven underground threads that only occasionally sprout surface mushrooms. A single specimen of dark honey mushroom can grow for thousands of years, and one found in the US covers 2200 acres, earning it the title of the world’s largest living organism.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 16 cm

Odor:

Faintly acidic, not particularly distinctive.

General Info About Dark honey mushroom

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Attributes of Dark honey mushroom

Cap Diameter

4 - 16 cm

Height

6 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 15 cm across; convex; red-brown; surface covered in scales

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Weakly decurrent; crowded; white, cream, pinkish buff

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 6 - 15 cm long, 5 - 15 mm thick; cylindrical; white, dark brown or black; with a finely woolly surface

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Firm; white

Ring

Whitish

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Faintly acidic, not particularly distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Red

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Dark honey mushroom by these plants:

Spruces, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Very common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Dark honey mushroom

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Dark honey mushroom

The dark honey mushroom grows in woods and it's commonly associated with conifers or broadleaf deciduous trees. It is a parasite in living trees, and its fruitbodies can be found near the roots of its hosts. It can also grow on deadwood, stumps, and buried and decaying wood.

Hunting Values of Dark honey mushroom

Necessary to cook before eating.

Uses of Dark honey mushroom

Dark honey mushroom is recognized as an edible mushroom, albeit with significant precautions due to potential confusion with toxic species. Its practical applications are primarily culinary, where it is harvested seasonally by knowledgeable foragers. Despite its availability, dark honey mushroom's edibility status demands careful identification and preparation to avoid health risks. As such, it holds moderate collection value among mushroom enthusiasts who are well-informed about its safe consumption.

Scientific Classification of Dark honey mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Physalacriaceae

Genus

Honey fungi

Toxicity and Edibility of Dark honey mushroom

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Edibility of Dark honey mushroom

Dark honey mushrooms are generally considered edible, although only when thoroughly cooked, and opinions vary as to their palatability. Some consider them to be choice, while others consider them far too acidic and bitter to eat. Taste may range from individual to individual, and a small subset of people have also been known to have reactions towards all Armillaria mushrooms. The stems are tough and should be discarded.

Similar Species to Dark honey mushroom

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Shaggy scalycap

Similar Species

Dark honey mushroom

Confusing Aspects of Shaggy scalycap and Dark honey mushroom?

Both Dark honey mushroom and Shaggy scalycap have similar brownish hues and clustered growth on wood, leading to confusion.

How to Differentiate Between Shaggy scalycap and Dark honey mushroom?

Dark honey mushroom: Stem is fibrous with a prominent skirt-like ring.

Shaggy scalycap: Stem has scaly texture with no ring.

Dark honey mushroom: Cap surface is covered in brown scales, often sticky or tacky when moist.

Shaggy scalycap: Cap is distinctly covered in upturned scales.

Tips for Finding Dark honey mushroom

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When is the Best Time to Find Dark honey mushroom

Search for dark honey mushroom in late summer to mid-fall, post-rainfall when the forest floor is moist and temperatures are cool, typically ranging from 40-50°F (4-10°C) during the day.

What are Some Tips for Finding Dark honey mushroom

Search near coniferous trees, especially where trees have recently died or fallen.
Inspect the bases of tree stumps and the surrounding ground for fruiting bodies, especially in damp areas.
Look for clusters of mushrooms, as dark honey mushroom often grows in interconnected groups.
Check for decaying roots and logs in forested areas, as dark honey mushroom can be found on or near such substrates.
Be mindful of the presence of sawdust-like spore deposits, which can indicate the presence of dark honey mushroom above or below ground.

How to Clean and Preserve Dark honey mushroom

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How to Clean Dark honey mushroom

To clean dark honey mushroom, remove any debris such as leaves or soil gently with a brush or damp cloth. Trim any woody or tough parts of the stem. It's essential to handle dark honey mushroom delicately to maintain its integrity. If further cleaning is required, lightly rinse under cool running water and pat dry immediately to prevent waterlogging.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Dark honey mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in cool, dark place with low humidity and an airtight container for best preservation.

Dehydrator drying: Best for evenly reducing moisture content with minimal risk of spoilage.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Dark honey mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserves texture for high-water-content fungi.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Dark honey mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Loose Wrap Storage

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and spoilage.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Lightly wrap in perforated plastic to maintain humidity while permitting some air exchange.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp cloth to maintain humidity and keep them from drying out.

Loose Wrap Storage: Place in shallow crates or baskets lined with kitchen towels for breathability and to absorb excess moisture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Dark honey mushroom

Honey fungus

Armillaria mellea