Oyster Mushrooms are one of the easiest wild mushrooms to identify. They grow exclusively on wood, either living or dead. Do not harvest them unless clearly on wood. They also always have white or light colored gills that run down their stem.

They like cool weather, so look for them in the spring and fall. Usually hardwoods but occasionally evergreens/conifers.

There are many dozens of species of Oyster Mushrooms, all in the same family Pleurotaceae and most in the genus, Pleurotus.

Common Oyster Mushroom Species

1.  Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus Ostreatus)

This is the most common Oyster Mushroom in the United States. Again, you’ll find it growing on trees and it can be quite abundant. It has a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness and can be used as a meat replacement.

2.  Blue Oyster (Pleurotus Columbinus)

The tops are blue-tinged, gills down the sides. This color turns gray when they are full-grown.

They have a very similar taste to the Pearl Mushroom.

3.  Golden Oyster (Pleurotus Citrinopileatus)

This has a distinctive smell, but a mild flavor. It very common in Russia, China, and Japan, and even cultivated in China for food. In Eastern Russia, it’s the most popular wild mushroom.

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4.  Pink Oyster (Pleurotus Djamor)

This one is meaty and fishy in flavor and a chewy texture. When fried, it becomes a little more like bacon or ham. The distinctive pink color fades when cooked.

5.  Phoenix Oyster (Pleurotus Pulmonarius)

This one is very similar to the Pearl Mushroom. The main difference is the caps of the Phoenix Oyster are paler and smaller and it develops more of a stem. Also, this mushroom likes warmer weather and will come out often in late summer whereas the Pearl Mushroom comes out earlier in the summer

This one is very similar to the Pearl Mushroom. The main difference is the caps of the Phoenix Oyster are paler and smaller and it develops more of a stem. Also, this mushroom likes warmer weather and will come out often in late summer whereas the Pearl Mushroom comes out earlier in the summer

6.  King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii)

The King Oyster has a thick, meaty stem and a small cap that’s brown when mature. This mushroom sometimes grows on tree roots or new, decaying material, so it may appear to be growing out of the soil. It can be found in parts of Europe, northern Africa, and Western Asia.

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7.  Elm Oyster (Hypsizygus Ulmarius) 

Poisonous Look A-likes:

1. 1. Ghost Fungus (Omphalotus Nidiformis)
3. This grows on trees and also has gills all the way down the stems. The easistest, most reliable way to tell this apart from Oyster Mushrooms is that this glows in the dark, whereas Oyster Mushrooms do not.

• 2. Ivory Funnel (Clitocybe Dealbata)
• This looks quite a bit like Elm Oysters, but this one is poisonous and grows in soil often found in grassy areas. Ways to tell it apart: The gills stop at the stems. If it eaten, you will experience increased sweating followed by abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision and labored breathing.

• 3. Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus Olearius)
• This is more often confused with Chanterelles, but it grows in bunches and has gills all the way down the stems so it can be confused with an Oyster Mushroom. The best way to tell it apart is Jack-O-Lanterns are orange but Oyster Mushrooms never will be. This mushroom is not fatal if eaten however it is still poisonous – you will experience severe vomiting, cramps and diarrhea.

Health Benefits:

Mushrooms in general are extremely healthy. They have chemicals in them that are proven to lengthen your lifespan – some even have adaptogens. Oyster Mushrooms in particular have statin, which reduces an individual’s cholesterol level.

Growing Mushrooms:

It’s become increasingly popular for homesteaders or urban farmers to grow mushrooms on their own. A must is to master identification of mushrooms to avoid poisonous species. But, if you don’t have time or the inclination to search for your own wild Oyster Mushrooms, you can order some sawdust spawn from a local provider!

Here’s one I found in Virginia where I live:

Sharondale Farm

Sources:

• Carlin, Oliver. 7 Types of Oyster Mushrooms and 3 Look A-likes. Jan. 16, 2020. Curative Mushrooms. Accessed: October 3, 2020. <a href="http://Link
• Pleurotus. Sept. 24, 2020. Wikipedia. Accessed: October 3, 2020. Link

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