Oregon is famous for its stunning natural scenery and rich and varied ecosystems. There are a variety of wild mushrooms in Oregon that will undoubtedly captivate every enthusiast, from the renowned truffles to the poisonous funeral bell.
11 Wild Mushrooms in Oregon
In this article, you will find a list of some of the wild mushrooms you might encounter in the state. Additionally, some facts are provided about each mushroom to assist you in identifying them.
1. Common chanterelle
- Scientific Name: Cantharellus cibarius
- Average size: 3 – 10 cm
- Color: yellow-orange
- Can be found: coniferous forests in mossy areas
- Edible: Yes
The delicious golden-hued chanterelle found in Oregon grows in the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest. Surprisingly, these fungi are mycorrhizal, which means they work with tree roots to exchange nutrients in order to survive.
They’re common near conifers and have a trumpet-like shape with wavy edges and ridges that resemble gills. These fungi are sought after by foragers who enjoy their fruity aroma and subtle peppery flavor.
2. Oregon White Truffle
- Scientific Name: Tuber oregonense
- Average size: 0.5 – 5 cm in diameter
- Color: white to beige
- Can be found: from sea level to about 2,000 feet in elevation on the west side of the Cascade Range and in the coastal ranges
- Edible: Yes
The Oregon White Truffle is a highly prized fungus known for its fragrant and herbal flavor. These underground treats have a special reliance on small creatures to spread their spores.
They thrive in the moist forests along the coast of Oregon and establish mutually beneficial connections with Douglas fir trees. The white-marbled interior of the fungi stands out in contrast to its tan warty outer surface.
3. American Matsutake
- Scientific Name: Tricholoma magnivelare
- Average size: 5 – 20 cm in diameter
- Color: creamy white to rusted brown
- Can be found: all forest areas above 4500 feet elevation
- Edible: Yes
The American Matsutake mushroom is highly valued in Oregon due to its distinct taste of sweet cinnamon and cypress taste. Foragers are attracted to the alluring taste of this food, which can be found in hiding places such as pine forests in central Oregon and dunes in coastal Oregon. These fungi are easily recognizable by their beige-brown cap and a white veil that covers the gills when they’re young.
4. Oyster mushroom
- Scientific Name: Pleurotus ostreatus
- Average size: 5 to 25 cm in diameter
- Color: white, gray or yellow-gray
- Can be found: logs and dead standing trees
- Edible: Yes
One of the fungi that you can find in Oregon is oyster mushrooms. These amazing species can break down harmful pollutants, which helps with natural decomposition. They thrive in lush hardwood forests, especially in decaying woods, and have a captivating fan-like appearance that resembles an oyster.
Oyster mushrooms also have a velvety texture and a mild seafood flavor, and they come in different shades of gray.
5. King Bolete
- Scientific Name: Boletus edulis
- Average size: 10 to 30 cm in diameter
- Color: light red or brown
- Can be found: beneath trees, notably beech and birch
- Edible: Yes
King bolete is one of the most common wild mushrooms in the state. These boletes are large mushrooms that can weigh up to 2 pounds when fully mature. These magnificent mushrooms are typically discovered in coniferous and mixed woodlands, where they establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the trees they grow on.
King bolete has chestnut-brown caps, stout stems, and sponge-like pores that turn yellow to yellowish-brown when mature.
6. Morel
- Scientific Name: Morchella esculenta
- Average size: 2 to 7 cm in diameter
- Color: light cream to gray to yellowish-brown
- Can be found: moist woodlands and in river bottoms
- Edible: Yes
The Morel mushroom is a popular type of fungi that attracts foragers with its unique honeycomb-shaped cap and delicious taste. During the spring season, these edible fungi flourish in moist woodlands and river bottoms. The mushrooms have cone-shaped caps and hollow stems that come in shades of cream, gray, or yellow.
The nutty and earthy taste of this food makes it a gourmet treasure. However, it’s important to be cautious of toxic false morels that can look very similar to edible ones.
7. Death angel
- Scientific Name: Amanita ocreata
- Average size: 5 – 6 cm in diameter
- Color: white
- Can be found: mixed oak-hardwood conifer forests
- Edible: No
The death angel mushroom is a highly poisonous fungus that should be avoided in Oregon, as it’s one of the deadliest mushrooms found in the state. Although it may seem attractive with its pure white color, this beauty is actually deadly and contains harmful toxins.
It’s commonly found in mixed woodlands, especially among oak trees, and can be found throughout the state. This toxic fungus has a smooth, white cap, stalk, and gills, making it look very similar to a harmless edible fungus.
8. Horn of plenty
- Scientific Name: Craterellus cornucopoides
- Average size: 2 to 15 cm in diameter
- Color: gray to black to tan
- Can be found: mossy forest floors
- Edible: Yes
The horn of plenty, also called the black trumpet, is a type of mushroom that can be found in the woodlands of Oregon. The name of this thing is derived from its resemblance to a cornucopia, which is a symbol of abundance and nourishment. It lives in mixed woodlands and likes to be in the damp and mossy undergrowth.
This species is known for its dark color ranging from charcoal to black, and its velvety texture. It has a unique, smoky and nutty flavor, making it highly valued in the culinary world.
9. Oregon Black Truffle
- Scientific Name: Leucangium carthusianum
- Color: light to dark gray
- Can be found: dark loamy soils, often in broad stream drainage bottoms
- Edible: Yes
The Oregon Black Truffle is one of the prized delicacies that gourmets worldwide admire. This fungus can be found hidden among fir trees in Oregon’s dense forests. With its strong and earthy scent and rich taste, it’s a valuable ingredient in different dishes.
The Oregon Black Truffle is a highly valued delicacy that you can easily recognize by its rough and wrinkled outer surface and dark black flesh.
10. Funeral bell
- Scientific Name: Galerina marginata
- Average size: up to 4 cm in diameter
- Color: pale yellow/brown to orange
- Can be found: conifer stumps, deciduous tree stumps, woodchips and in open grassland
- Edible: No
One of the mushrooms in the state that must be avoided is the funeral bell mushroom, also referred to as the deadly skullcap. This fungus, which appears simple, was discovered in decaying conifer wood and contains a powerful toxin.
With its dark, brownish cap and pale gills, this mushroom can easily be confused with other edible mushrooms like the honey fungus. Be careful not to mistake this fungus for other species, as it can be deadly to humans.
11. Spreading-hedgehog
- Scientific Name: Hydnum repandum
- Average size: 2 to 17 cm in diameter
- Color: white to pale grey
- Can be found: around host trees in most types of mixed woodland
- Edible: Yes
The spreading-hedgehog mushroom is a large species of hedgehog mushroom found in Oregon. This fungus is named after the hedgehog due to its tooth-like spines that resemble the animal’s appearance.
You can see this mushroom thriving near host trees in various mixed woodlands. It has a beige, irregular-shaped cap and a spiny, cream-colored underside that you can use to identify it.
Louise writes about a wide variety of topics including wildlife, animals, and nature. She’s developed a growing interest in animal biology and categorization due to her fascination with how they interact with one another and with their surroundings.