Did you know that there are over 38,000 species of mushrooms? And while most people think of mushrooms as a tasty addition to their pizza or pasta dish, there are actually many different types of edible mushrooms that grow on trees! Here are 8 delicious mushrooms that you can find growing on trees in your own backyard.
Here are the 8 mushrooms you can find growing on trees:
- Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) – This type of mushroom is most commonly found on birch trees in colder climates such as Siberia, Alaska, and Northern Europe. Chaga mushrooms have a tough, woody exterior and a dark brown or black interior. When cooked, Chaga mushrooms have a smoky flavor and can be used in soups, stews, and other dishes.
- Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes Versicolor) – Turkey tail mushrooms are so named because they resemble the tail of a turkey. These mushrooms are found on dead or dying hardwood trees all over the world. Turkey tail mushrooms have a bitter taste when eaten raw but become more palatable when cooked. They can be used in teas or added to soups and sauces for flavor.
- Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus) – Lion’s mane mushrooms are large, white mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane when they are fully grown. These mushrooms are found on dead or dying hardwood trees in North America and Europe. Lion’s mane mushrooms have a mild taste and can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. They are often used in Asian stir-fries or as a meat substitute in other dishes.
- Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) – Oyster mushrooms get their name from their oyster-shaped caps. These mushrooms are found on dead or dying hardwood trees all over the world. Oyster mushrooms have a mild taste and can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. They are often used in soups and stews for flavor.
- Enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) – Enoki mushrooms get their name from their long, thin stems and small caps. These delicate-tasting mushrooms are found on living hardwood trees in temperate climates around the world. Enoki mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries for flavor.
- Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) – Maitake mushrooms are large, leafy fungi that resemble an umbrella when they are fully grown. These mushrooms are native to Japan but can also be found in China and North America. Maitake mushrooms have a meaty taste and can be grilled, roasted, or sauteed. They make an excellent addition to any dish where you would like to add some extra protein.
- Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) – Shiitake mushrooms originated in East Asia but can now be found all over the world. These popular edible fungi get their name from the shiitake tree, which is the type of tree they most commonly grow on. Shiitake Mushrooms have a hearty flavor and can be grilled, roasted, sauteed, or added to soups and sauces for extra flavor.
- Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) – Reishi Mushrooms get their name from their shiny, red caps. These rare fungi can only be found growing on certain types of trees in Asia. Reishi Mushrooms have a bitter taste but offer many health benefits when consumed. Reishi Mushrooms can be made into teas, powders, capsules, or extracts.
How Rare Is Chaga?
In North America, it is estimated that for every 10,000 trees, only one will host a Chaga outgrowth. This puts its purported health benefits into perspective—if something is that rare and sought-after, it must be pretty powerful!
Chaga is most commonly found in cold climates like Siberia and Northern Europe, where it often grows on birch trees. It has a dark black exterior with a red-brown interior and can grow up to two feet in diameter. When cut open, the inside of a Chaga mushroom looks similar to charred wood.
Despite its unappetizing appearance, Chaga has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Siberian medicine for its supposed health benefits. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, some people believe that Chaga can help boost the immune system, fight cancer, and improve digestion.
If you’re interested in trying Chaga for yourself, you can find it in powder, tea, or capsule form at health food stores or online. Just be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.
Are Any Tree Mushrooms Poisonous?
While tree mushrooms are generally safe to eat, there are a few exceptions. One of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world is the death cap (Amanita phalloides), which grows on oak and beech trees. Death caps contain a toxin that can cause liver failure and death if ingested.
Other poisonous tree mushrooms include the destroying angel (Amanita virosa) and the panther cap (Amanita pantherina). These mushrooms contain amatoxin, a compound that can cause severe kidney and liver damage. If you think you may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek medical attention immediately.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Tree Mushrooms?
Tree mushrooms are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that may help protect against cell damage. Additionally, some tree mushrooms—such as Chaga and turkey tail—are traditionally used in medicine for their purported health benefits. However, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
If you’re looking to add more mushrooms to your diet, there are many delicious ways to do so. You can sauté them, roast them, or use them to make a flavorful soup or stew. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly—raw mushrooms can cause stomach upset in some people.
Why Does My Tree Have Mushrooms Growing on It?
If you see mushrooms growing on a tree, the tree is likely decaying. Mushrooms are fungi that feed on dead or dying plant matter. While they can cause harm to living trees, they’re not necessarily harmful to people or animals.
In some cases, mushrooms growing on a tree may be an indication that the tree is unhealthy and needs to be removed. If you’re concerned about the health of your tree, it’s best to consult with a certified arborist or other tree care expert.
What Is a Conk on a Tree?
A conk is a type of bracket fungus that grows on the trunks of trees. While they’re not harmful to people, they can cause extensive damage to trees. Conks can prevent trees from taking up water and nutrients, which can eventually lead to the tree’s death.
If you see a conk on a tree, it’s best to leave it alone. Trying to remove it yourself could result in further damage to the tree. If you’re concerned about the health of your tree, contact a certified arborist or other tree care expert for assistance.
Final Words
Mushrooms aren’t just a tasty addition to your favorite recipes; they’re also packed with nutrients that your body needs! So next time you’re out for a nature walk, keep an eye out for these 8 edible fungi that might just be growing right under your nose!
