Information on Wild Mushrooms

How Wild Mushrooms Grow

• Wild mushrooms grow by absorbing nutrients from organic material. They feed on materials such as leaf mulch, wood, compost and other organic matter. Such flexibility means wild mushrooms can grow anywhere.

Edible Wild Mushrooms

• Researchers have identified approximately 250 species of edible wild mushrooms, which include puffballs, shaggy mane, coral fungi, morals and oyster mushroom. Anyone planning to pick wild mushrooms must invest in a field guide and seek advice from a wild mushroom expert. Be advised that not all known species of wild mushrooms have been classified into edible or inedible groups.

Poisonous Wild Mushrooms

• Among the 10,000 identified species of mushrooms, about 250 are known to be poisonous. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the three most dangerous mushrooms groups are amanitas, false morels and the umbrella group called little brown mushrooms.