LAfungi

Thanks for the response. I feel most confident with group 1 as well since they were growing on dead willows and fit the description. From what I've read, ones on willow trees are your best bet. I've been finding these for a couple months now and am eager to try some, but waiting to be 100 percent sure on ID. And as far as angel's wings go..I've read the horror stories from Japan and am steering clear of those. Though I do believe they only grow on coniferous trees and the pictures above we're all deciduous. Not entirely sure.

I'm from southern LA as well and am also experiencing the same situation. So far I've only found the Gulf Coast Mycological Society as far as groups go in our area. They are going on a foray near Beaumont Tx in early Nov. might want to check them out. I'm sure they know more about what's going on in our area. I've been finding a decent amount of what I think are chanterelles and oyster mushrooms in the atchafalaya basin lately, though I still have some confusion on IDing. And I've also just learned that morels can be found in tunica hills in march, a place just north of Baton Rouge. I was surprised to find that out. Anyway, good luck. I know it's hard getting started around here.

Started oyster hunting recently, but it feels like every time I go out searching I find some that are slightly different than the ones I found last. I know there's variation, but could someone take a look and tell me what you think? 1) first group growing on dead willows near water. 2) this group was on dead tree in forest away from water 3) same as group 2 4) these were growing on a dead tree on side of a creek 5) and these were back behind group 4 on a fallen log I would guess from what I've read that the ones lacking a stem are oysters, but I've also read that sometimes they can grow a stem if they're under a log. And also some are very thin (group 3) and others much more rigid and meaty (group 1). If someone could comment on what they think I'd appreciate it! Thanks.