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How to Make Successful Spore Prints

The mushrooms you see in the woods are actually fungal fruits which release spores into the air. Spores are microscopic eggs that are released from gills found on the underside of a mushroom cap. The stem of the mushroom holds the cap upright so the spores can float off into the air and take root once they've landed. On your initial mushroom expedition, the Cornell Cooperative Extension suggests that you limit the number of specimens you take, as identifying and preserving your specimens, when you get home, can be time-consuming at first.

Things You'll Need

White card stock
Clear lacquer or acrylic spray
Bowl

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the stem from the mushroom. Place the cap face down on white card stock, and put a drop of water near it to keep the cap moist. Cover it with a bowl for 12 to 24 hours.
- 2
  Remove the bowl and the mushroom cap. Examine the spore print, and make a note of its color, which is used in identifying mushroom species. The color may change so your initial observation is important. Let the print dry for 10 minutes.
- 3
  Apply several light coats of clear lacquer or acrylic spray. Make a note on the card of the genus and species of the specimen, the location where it was found, and the date of the spore print. Store the print with a dried specimen of that mushroom species.

Nature