Illinois Mushroom Hunting

The rare morel mushroom

Mushroom hunting in Illinois is a competitive hobby, as it is in many states You need to know where and when to go to find rare mushrooms, such as the morel. Of course, hard-core mushroom hunters won't share their secrets.

Significance

While there are many types of wild mushrooms, the most prized is the morel. Some chefs believe the best morels in the country grow in Illinois and Michigan, according to the Illinois Times.

Time Frame

Mushrooms begin to appear in Illinois is late April and May. The best time to look for them is after a spring shower has passed, according to the Illinois Times.

Identification

Morels are distinctive in their appearance. Their caps are peaked and covered with dimpled crevices. The cap is dark brown, and the stalk is beige.

Fun Fact

Mushroom hunting has become a cottage industry in some parts of Illinois. The state is even home to an annual morel-hunting competition.

Warning

Make sure you have an expert mushroom hunter in your party so that you can identify species. There are many types of morels, and some are poisonous.

Varieties

The morel is far from the only mushroom that grows in Illinois. In fact, at least 1,000 species have been identified in the Chicago region, according to the website Illinois Mushrooms. Among the species that can be found in the state are leucoagaricus americanus, lepista nuda, ganoderma lucidum and coprinus comatus.

References

• Illinois Times: The Hunt is On!
• Morel Mania: Illinois State Morel Mushroom Hunt
• Illinois Mushrooms: Illinois Mushrooms