Mount Shasta Mushrooms
Explore some of the most distinct mushrooms that can be found in the forests of Mount Shasta. In this guide you learn about some of the most sought-after edible species, their habitat, and identifying features including toxic lookalikes and safety considerations. While many of these species can be found throughout the west, their ecology can vary per region. For example, the Western Matsutake (Tricholom murillianum) associates predominantly with members of the pine family in the Shasta region, while on the coast, it is popular with tan oak. Click on the thumbnails below for more information.
Morels (Morchella species)
Probably the most popular and celebrated wild mushroom, morels appear in the spring most abundantly with conifers. There are close to a dozen species occurring in our area - some are associated with disturbance such as wildfire and logging, while others associate with undisturbed forests or riparian habitat. Learning their ecology and life cycle is not only interesting, but will aid you in successfully locating their hideouts.
Mountain Almond Agaricus (Agaricus moronii)
One of my all-time favorite mushrooms for the table, this almond-scented mushroom can be abundant in our montane conifer duff in spring. While everyone is preoccupied with morels and boletes, I happily fill my basket with this portobello relative. Learn how to safely identify this overlooked species.
Spring King Bolete (Boletus rex-veris)
Another famous member of our spring mushroom season, this prized edible can be found into July if you learn the microhabitats and conifer associations that favor its fruiting. Learn its key identifying features, habits, habitat, and fungal indicator species.
Spring Butter Bolete (Butyriboletus primiregius)
Another top-rated edible of the conifer forests surrounding Mount Shasta., this bolete is Similar in stature to the Spring King but has notable differences such as bright yellow pores that stain blue and much denser fruitbodies. A fairly easy species for beginners to identify, one should be aware of the red-pored boletes such as the toxic satan's bolete.
Golden Robes (Floccularia albolanaripes)
Another lesser-known favorite edible, this mushroom can be quite dazzling with its golden to bright yellow colors, elaborate scales, and cottony ornamentations. It appears in both fall and spring mushroom seasons, though not always abundant, it's a great edible to familiarize yourself with.
Spring Coccora (Amanita vernicoccora)
Though considered a good edible by many, only VERY experienced mushroom hunters should consider eating any of the Amanitas.
Amanita contains some great edible species, but also the world's deadliest mushrooms. With names like the Death cap and Destroying Angel they demand respect and careful attention to detail.
White Chanterelle (Cantharellus subalbidus)
Our most common of the three chanterelle species that can be found in the Mount Shasta region, the white chanterelle associates with a variety of conifers in the fall and is one of the most sought-after edible mushrooms species. Learn how to identify this species and separate it from "false chanterelles" as well as what to look for in targeting its habitat preferences.
Cascade Chanterelle (Cantharellus cascadensis)
This gorgeous chanterelle can be seen decorating the forest floor in some of our mixed conifer forests like a bright yellow beacon. Though not as common as the white chanterelle in our area, some years it can be found in large quantities. Learn its distinguishing traits that separate it from other chanterelles and lookalike species.
Matsutake (Tricholoma murillianum)
One of the most prized edible mushrooms in the Mount Shasta region, Matsutake fruit in conifer forests during favorable late summer / fall conditions. Learn how to recognize them, understand their ecology, and distinguish them from similar species.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Having gained a reputation as a gourmet and medicinal edible, the lion's mane is a treat to find during fall in the Shasta area where it grows on wounded and / or dying hardwood trees. One of the most distinct and easily identified species, there are a few other similar species that are just as edible. learn what to look for in seeking this prized edible mushroom.
Gypsy Mushroom (Cortinarius caperatus)
A highly underrated and overlooked fall mushroom. If you get in the right zone, you can find them mingling with matsutake AND white chanterelles where they often fruit in large troops pushing up the duff as "shrumps" waiting to be uncovered. This species takes some practice to recognize and is only recommended for experienced foragers, but once you get to know it, it may become one of your favorites for the table.