Pleurotus pulmonarius
(Oyster Mushroom, Cottonwood Oyster, Lung Oyster)

Habitat

Grows at lower elevation riparian areas usually near water with a preference for dead Cottonwood. They are very common in the city along small streams in the spring. Look on fallen logs, old stumps and dead trees. They are also sometimes found on other trees such as Willow and Elm.

Description

This is one of the most abundant spring mushrooms. They are usually found while looking for Blonde Morels. Oyster mushrooms always grow from wood. They just about always grow in clusters. They always have decurrent gills (running down the stipe) usually from one main stipe. They can grow any time of year with available moisture even in the middle of winter. Typical season is from March - June and sometimes again in the fall. This particular species can be differentiated from other Oyster mushrooms by its spore color which has a lilac tone rather than white. Lookalikes include Collybia brunneocephala but its is easily ruled out by some of the characteristics listed above.

Location

Colorado

Smell

Pleasantly mushroomy early on then fishy with age

Spore Print

Lilac Light Grey

Edibility

Edible

Color

Tan / Brown

Last Updated

Sep 19 2024 10:30 PM

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