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Shoehorn oyster

Hohenbuehelia petaloides

A species of Hohenbuehelia

The shoehorn oyster (Hohenbuehelia petaloides) fruits with an elongated, petal-shaped cap that often bears a resemblance to a shoehorn. Shoehorn oysters are unusual in that, in addition to digesting decaying wood, they also have structures which allow them to capture and digest nematodes, tiny worms that often feed on mushrooms.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 9 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy with a mealy scent.

General Info About Shoehorn oyster

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Attributes of Shoehorn oyster

Cap Diameter

3 - 9 cm

Height

2 - 5 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 9 cm across; fan-shaped; brown; surface fairly bald, fine white fuzz; margin not lined

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Deeply decurrent; crowded; whitish, dull yellowish

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 1 - 3 cm long, 3 - 10 mm thick; brownish to whitish

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Rubbery; whitish; unchanging when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy with a mealy scent.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods, Wood Chips or Mulch

You can find Shoehorn oyster by these plants:

Lindens, Populus

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Shoehorn oyster

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Shoehorn oyster

The shoehorn oyster occurs in woods and various urban, semi-urban, and even household settings - gardens, lawns, parks, nurseries, landscape and horticulture areas, flowerbeds, and potted plants. It grows in wood-rich soil and wood chips, around stumps, or occasionally on well-rotten logs.

Uses of Shoehorn oyster

Shoehorn oyster is an edible mushroom species, valued for its culinary potential. Its collection peaks during specific seasons, and while it may not be the most popular, it's sought by enthusiasts for its unique taste. Care should be taken to properly identify shoehorn oyster due to potential confusion with inedible species. It's typically used in traditional dishes and may have regional importance where it is more commonly found.

Scientific Classification of Shoehorn oyster

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

The tree mushroom family

Genus

Hohenbuehelia

Toxicity and Edibility of Shoehorn oyster

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Edibility of Shoehorn oyster

Shoehorn oyster is reported to be edible, but is not considered particularly tasty and has a very tough texture. It is best consumed when the mushrooms are young and fresh. For these reasons, it is not a very popular choice.

Similar Species to Shoehorn oyster

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Ghost fungus

Similar Species

Shoehorn oyster

How to Differentiate Between Ghost fungus and Shoehorn oyster?

Shoehorn oyster: Found in groups on soil near woody debris.

Ghost fungus: Found in clusters on dead wood, typically growing on decaying stumps or fallen logs.

Shoehorn oyster: Does not exhibit bioluminescence.

Ghost fungus: Capable of emitting a soft greenish light in the dark.

Fragrant funnel

Similar Species

Shoehorn oyster

How to Differentiate Between Fragrant funnel and Shoehorn oyster?

Shoehorn oyster: Features decurrent gills that run down the stem.

Fragrant funnel: Has adnate to sinuate gills, not descending along the stem.

Shoehorn oyster: Generally does not have a strong scent.

Fragrant funnel: Exhibits a pronounced fragrant or spicy aroma.

Tips for Finding Shoehorn oyster

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When is the Best Time to Find Shoehorn oyster

Search for shoehorn oyster during late summer to autumn, post rainfall when the weather is still relatively warm but not hot. Mornings or evenings with high humidity provide the best chance of finding shoehorn oyster.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Shoehorn oyster

Prefers lignicolous-rich soils or wood chips.

What are Some Tips for Finding Shoehorn oyster

Search near decaying wood, as shoehorn oyster commonly grows in these environments.
Inspect garden areas and landscaped parks, particularly where wood chips are used as mulch.
Look for shoehorn oyster growing alone or in groups, which may be easier to spot in open, grassy areas.
Check for shoehorn oyster in both natural and urban settings with sufficient dead plant material.

How to Clean and Preserve Shoehorn oyster

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How to Clean Shoehorn oyster

To clean shoehorn oyster, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen a cloth with water and wipe the surface. Handle with care to preserve the mushroom's shape and gill structure.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Shoehorn oyster

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and in an airtight container.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for moisture-rich varieties, providing consistent heat and air circulation.

Oven drying: Useful for quick drying at low temperatures, keeping the door slightly open.

Air drying: Suitable for environments with low humidity; slowest but energy-efficient.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Shoehorn oyster

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes retaining texture after thawing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Shoehorn oyster

Refrigerating Methods

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

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows airflow to prevent moisture buildup; ideal for delicate textures.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Controls humidity and prevents condensation, suitable for moisture retention.

Cardboard Box Storage: Separate layers with paper towels; absorbs excess moisture, maintaining texture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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