LAfungi Posted October 21, 2014 Report Share Posted October 21, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missourimorris Posted October 22, 2014 Report Share Posted October 22, 2014 I should preface this post by saying I am a beginner at this. However, I have been hard at work researching the distinguishing characteristics for oyster mushrooms myself this past week and based on what I've reviewed so far I would say based on the coloring, shape, and thickness of the hood in group 1 that these are more likely oysters than anything else. But the remaining groups bear a resemblence to Angel's Wings given their color and the thinness of the hood. Although I think it's likely that group 4 are oysters rather than Angel's Wings I would not bet on it ... as for whether Angel's Wings are edible, that seems debatable from what I've read as well (see documented poisonings in Japan) ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAfungi Posted October 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted October 23, 2014 Report Share Posted October 23, 2014 Oysters (Pleurotus species) do not grow on coniferous wood. Angel Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens) grow on coniferous wood, exclusively I believe. Other than this, Angel Wings tend to be more delicate than Oysters. Spore print for Angel Wings is pure white. Some types of Oysters have pure white spore print, but in my experience Oysters generally have spore print slightly lilac or light smoky grayish. The subtle difference from white is best seen by collecting the print on a white background. I used to eat Angel Wings. But the report from Japan has made me skeptical about them. So I have given up eating them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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