How do I Find Matsi Mushrooms?

Look under certain types of trees. Matsutake mushrooms tend to grow in forests in Japan, China, Korea and the Pacific Northwest of the United States, according to Japan Guidebook. Matsiman notes that the mycelium favors specific types of hardwood trees and evergreens. Forests with tan oak, Manzanita, chinkapin or madrone trees commonly host the matsutake mycelium, as do woodland areas full of ponderosa pine, mountain hemlock, white fir, Douglass fir, Shasta red fir, and Lodgepole pine. The mushrooms grow mostly under layers of dirt, pine needles or leaves under the host tree.

Spot woodland clues. Matsiman lists special clues that tell you matsutake mushrooms may be growing nearby. Red- and white-striped allotropa plants---commonly called candy cane---feed on the matsutake mycelia; generally you will find mushrooms growing within five to 15 feet of this plant. Other kinds of mushrooms, like chanterelles, red russula and yellow corral, usually grow near matsutake mushrooms on a different growth cycle. Chanterelles ripen before matsutake, red russula ripen after matsutake, and yellow corral ripens at about the same time. Look for these mushrooms as indicators to help find matsi.

Brush aside pine needles and forest litter. Kay Plaza, a mushroom hunting site, notes that matsutake mushrooms frequently grow under layers of pine needles and dead leaves, also called litter. Look for raised bumps in the fallen pine needles under the tree. Gently push aside the forest litter---about 1 to 3 inches, according to Matsiman---to find matsutake mushrooms.