Mushrooms of North America: Benefits & Dangers
Boletus edulis (Boletus edulis)
Benefit: Known as porcini, King Bolete or penny bun; prized for its rich, meaty flavor and culinary versatility.
Boletus griseus (Boletus griseus)
Benefit: Gray bolete; edible with mild taste similar to other boletes.
Boletus variipes (Boletus variipes)
Benefit: Edible species found in mixed woods; appreciated for firm texture.
Boletus pinophilus (Boletus pinophilus)
Benefit: Pinewood King Bolete; firm and flavorful, highly regarded by foragers.
Calbovista subsculpta (Calbovista subsculpta)
Benefit: Sculptured giant puffball; choice edible when young and gleba is firm and white.
Calvatia gigantea (Calvatia gigantea)
Benefit: Giant puffball; edible when immature and white, noted for large size.
Cantharellus cibarius (Cantharellus cibarius)
Benefit: Chanterelle; highly prized for fruity aroma, firm texture, and culinary versatility.
Craterellus tubaeformis (Craterellus tubaeformis)
Benefit: Tube chanterelle; edible and flavorful, often used as a chanterelle substitute.
Clitocybe nuda (Clitocybe nuda)
Benefit: Blewit; edible with lilac hue and nutty flavor; cook well to avoid upset.
Cortinarius caperatus (Cortinarius caperatus)
Benefit: Gypsy mushroom; edible and flavorful but requires careful ID to avoid toxic lookalikes.
Craterellus cornucopioides (Craterellus cornucopioides)
Benefit: Trumpet of Death; prized for intense smoky-sweet flavor despite ominous name.
Grifola frondosa (Grifola frondosa)
Benefit: Hen of the Woods; supports immunity and metabolism, hearty texture and flavor.
Hericium erinaceus (Hericium erinaceus)
Benefit: Lion’s Mane; neuroprotective and may enhance cognition; unique texture.
Hydnum repandum (Hydnum repandum)
Benefit: Hedgehog mushroom; edible with spines instead of gills, mild nutty taste.
Lactarius deliciosus (Lactarius deliciosus)
Benefit: Saffron Milk Cap; prized for firm flesh and orange latex, popular in Russia and Spain.
Morchella spp. (Morchella spp.)
Benefit: Morels; must be cooked thoroughly to remove heat-labile toxins, highly prized for nutty flavor.
Pleurotus ostreatus (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Benefit: Oyster Mushroom; industrially cultivated, rich in nutrients and versatile.
Termitomyces titanicus (Termitomyces titanicus)
Benefit: Largest edible mushroom; symbiotic with termites; rare and valued where found.
Tricholoma matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake)
Benefit: Matsutake; highly prized aromatic delicacy in Japanese cuisine.
Phallus indusiatus (Phallus indusiatus)
Benefit: Bamboo Pith; edible in traditional Chinese dishes; delicate, sweet taste.