Guide to Identifying Wild Mushrooms

Mushroom collectors rely on training from courses and printed reference guides to identify wild mushrooms instead of trusting their eyes. Many species of mushroom resemble one another, including poisonous varieties.

Some mushrooms have recognizable basic shapes, such as the wrinkled surface of the morel or the rounded contours of the giant puffball, according to Ohio State University. Collectors refer to field guides to evaluate the mushroom’s appearance, habitat and spore print. Collectors make spore prints by placing a moist mushroom cap on a piece of white paper to see the impression made by the spores.

Collectors face a challenge in identifying wild mushrooms as many species can appear practically identical to each other, according to Utah State University. Many harmless-looking mushrooms contain deadly toxins. Ohio State University warns that many myths about how to identify harmful mushrooms have no basis in truth.

Utah State University advises any would-be mushroom collector to take a course on the subject at a local university, botanical facility or mushroom club before trying to identify wild mushrooms. Collectors should never eat any wild mushroom until they have identified it beyond all doubt.