SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Mushroom hunting season is underway here in Michiana. Cool spring mornings are the ideal time to go hunting for Morel mushrooms.
Mark Evans, Plant & Soil Science Extension Educator, from the Purdue Extension Office in Goshen, says, “Mushrooms are a fungus, and so it's the fungus kind of helps to deteriorate the dying roots and the things that are underneath these trees.” He further explained that Morels are typically found by fallen trees.
Tree fungi on fallen tree
With this information in mind, I went on a hunt of my own. I found several different fungi growing on decaying wood, but not necessarily Morels. After about 30 minutes of searching, I came across a fragment of a Morel mushroom. I figured since it wasn’t fully intact, an animal or other hunters must have gotten to it.
Fragment of Morel Mushroom
I was beginning to lose hope; but, before I completely threw in the towel, I decided to search in one final spot. I found a gold mine. A shaded area with lots of fallen trees was the perfect spot for the Morels. After collecting nearly a dozen mushrooms, I deemed my journey a success and left the woods with my bag of mushrooms.
Morel Mushroom found in shaded area in forest
For those looking to embark on their own adventure Evans offers some advice:
- Decaying trees are often the best place to find Morel mushrooms
- Avoid consuming mushrooms that have been submerged in flood waters
- They could have contaminants, making them unsafe to eat.
- Mushrooms are safe to touch, but not all are safe to eat
- Always consult an expert before consuming foreign mushrooms/fungi. Some mushrooms are toxic and could result in illness.