How to Identify Florida Mushrooms

The state of Florida is host to many species of flora and fauna. Wildlife abounds throughout the state and with the high level of moisture coming from the rains that saturate Florida for many months of the year, mushrooms in many varieties dot the landscape. While many types are highly toxic, there are also a good number that are edible.

Things You'll Need

• Sheets of non-white paper
• Digital camera
• Magnifying glass

Instructions

1. Walk through damp woodlands with rotting woods or fields and meadows after periods of rain. Select the mushroom that is to be identified.

2. Compare your mushroom against a current pictorial guide to Florida mushrooms for color, stem, bulb type and location. These are all factors in determining what species of Florida mushroom it is. Often a look at the underside of the bell, or head, is necessary to find the gill style and type. This is more accurate in younger mushrooms that have not gone to spore. Their gills are still with the spores and not dried out.

3. Remove the cap of the mushroom. Press it gently onto a non-white piece of paper to get a spore print. This is a definitive way to identify Florida's mushrooms. Some of the native edible mushrooms, such as Florida chanterelles, morels and shitake, have distinct patterns that make them easily identifiable in Florida. This option is not available for truffle type mushrooms found in Florida as there is no gill structure. Identify these by photo comparison.

4. Photograph the mushroom in question using a detailed camera. Send a copy to University of Florida Mushroom ID Program, listed below.

5. Contact a division of Florida's Nature Conservancy. Walks and lectures are offered occasionally that include mushroom identification in parts of Florida. Guides are experienced biologists and can give hands on instruction.

Tips & Warnings

• Local wildlife guides are great sources of information of Florida. The Florida Department of Parks has walks that can be taken that include mushroom identification.

• Unless you are sure, never eat any mushroom. Many of the 200 plus species in Florida are poisonous and cause symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to death.

Resources

• University of Florida Mushroom ID Program
• Nature Conservancy