Mushrooms that grow on trees are a fascinating and diverse group of fungi. These arboreal mushrooms play crucial roles in forest ecosystems, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. From edible varieties to medicinal species, tree-dwelling mushrooms offer a wide range of benefits for both nature and humans.

Tree mushrooms come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with some forming shelf-like structures and others resembling more traditional cap-and-stem varieties. While many of these fungi grow on dead or dying trees, some species can also be found on living trees. Identifying and understanding these mushrooms can be both an engaging hobby and a valuable skill for foragers and nature enthusiasts alike.

1) Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are distinctive fungi that grow on hardwood trees. They have a unique appearance, resembling a white, shaggy mane or cascading icicles.

These mushrooms typically fruit on dead or dying trees, particularly oak, beech, maple, and sycamore. They can be found growing high up on tree trunks, sometimes as much as 40 feet above the ground.

Lion’s Mane usually appears in late summer through fall, though in some regions they may fruit in winter and spring. They prefer cooler weather conditions for fruiting.

Foragers prize Lion’s Mane for its culinary value. The mushroom is said to have a taste similar to crab meat when cooked. It’s also valued for potential health benefits.

Lion’s Mane has no dangerous look-alikes, making it a relatively safe choice for novice mushroom hunters. However, proper identification and caution are always necessary when foraging wild mushrooms.

In addition to wild specimens, Lion’s Mane can be cultivated on logs or in controlled environments. This allows for year-round availability of this interesting and useful fungus.

2) Turkey Tail

Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are among the most recognizable fungi growing on trees. These fan-shaped mushrooms display vibrant, concentric bands of color resembling a turkey’s tail feathers.

Found worldwide, turkey tails thrive on dead hardwood trees and logs. They prefer species like oak, maple, birch, and fruit trees in temperate climates with humid conditions.

Turkey tails are polypores, identified by their porous undersides rather than gills. The caps typically measure 2-10 cm wide and occur in overlapping clusters on wood surfaces.

These mushrooms play an important ecological role as decomposers, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. They fruit year-round but are most abundant after periods of rainfall.

Turkey tail mushrooms have gained attention for their potential medicinal properties. Traditional and modern uses explore their possible immune-supporting effects.

When foraging, proper identification is crucial. Look for the characteristic bands, thin and flexible texture, and porous underside. Always consult expert sources before consuming any wild mushrooms.

3) Reishi

Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their medicinal properties and distinctive appearance. These fungi typically grow on hardwood trees, particularly oak, maple, and hemlock.

Reishi can be found in forested areas, often appearing on dead or dying trees. They may grow as parasites on living trees or as decomposers on dead wood.

The fruiting bodies of reishi mushrooms are characterized by their glossy, varnished-looking caps. These caps can range in color from reddish-brown to dark brown or even purple.

Reishi mushrooms can be annual or perennial, with some specimens persisting for several years. In North America, they typically fruit during the summer months.

When foraging for reishi, it’s important to correctly identify the species. The most common types include Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae.

Cultivators grow reishi mushrooms in controlled environments, maintaining temperatures between 70-80°F and high humidity levels. This allows for year-round production of these valuable fungi.

4) Oyster Mushroom

Oyster mushrooms are a common and widely distributed fungus found on trees worldwide. They belong to the genus Pleurotus and include several species such as Pearl, Blue, Golden, Pink, Phoenix, and King Oyster.

These mushrooms have a distinctive fan-shaped appearance with smooth caps that range in color from white to gray, tan, and dark brown. Their gills are layered and visible on the underside of the cap.

Oyster mushrooms primarily grow on dead or dying hardwood trees. They can be found on a variety of deciduous species including beech, oak, maple, poplar, willow, and aspen.

The fruiting of oyster mushrooms is influenced by environmental factors. They thrive in temperatures between 68°F and 75°F, preferring high humidity levels of 70% to 90%. Rainfall also plays a crucial role in stimulating mushroom growth.

Interestingly, oyster mushrooms harvested during colder months often have gray caps and a firmer texture. Many people consider these firmer specimens to be more flavorful and nutritious than their warm-weather counterparts.

5) Chaga

Chaga is a unique fungus that primarily grows on birch trees in cold climates of the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike typical mushrooms, it forms a hard, blackened mass on the tree trunk rather than producing a fruiting body.

This parasitic fungus can take 10-20 years to reach maturity, sometimes growing to impressive sizes of up to 30 inches long and 20 inches wide. Chaga derives valuable compounds from its host tree, including betulinic acid from birch.

While birch is the preferred host, chaga can occasionally be found on other deciduous trees like alder, aspen, and elm. However, chaga harvested from non-birch trees may lack some of the prized medicinal properties associated with birch-grown specimens.

Chaga’s slow growth and specific habitat requirements make it a relatively rare find in nature. Its distinctive appearance, often described as resembling burnt charcoal, sets it apart from other tree-dwelling fungi.

Harvesting chaga requires care to avoid damaging the host tree. Sustainable practices involve taking only a portion of the fungus, allowing it to continue growing and benefiting the forest ecosystem.

6) Maitake

Maitake mushrooms, also known as hen of the woods, are prized edible fungi that fruit on trees. They typically grow at the base of oak trees in late summer and fall.

These mushrooms form large clusters that can weigh between 3 to 15 pounds. Their appearance resembles the ruffled feathers of a sitting hen, hence their common name.

Maitake mushrooms have flattened brown caps with white edges. As they mature, the caps may turn a lighter tan or grey color. The clusters can grow to 4 to 6 inches across or larger.

Foragers often return to the same infected oak groves year after year, as maitake can fruit from the same tree for multiple seasons. When harvesting, gently pull and twist the mushrooms off when the fronds reach 1-2 inches long.

Cultivators can grow maitake on oak logs using spawn plugs. This method allows for outdoor cultivation with minimal maintenance. Indoor growing is also possible but requires more specialized techniques.

7) Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the Woods is a distinctive mushroom that fruits on trees. Its scientific name is Laetiporus sulphureus, though other related species exist. This fungus forms large, brightly colored brackets on the sides of trees or stumps.

The mushroom’s appearance is striking, with overlapping fan-shaped caps in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Its texture and taste have earned it the nickname “chicken mushroom” due to its resemblance to chicken meat when cooked.

Chicken of the Woods typically grows on hardwood trees, particularly oak. It can be found in forests, parks, and even urban areas. The mushroom acts as both a parasite and decomposer, causing brown rot in living trees and decaying dead ones.

Foragers prize this mushroom for its culinary value. When young and tender, it can be sautéed, fried, or used in various dishes. However, proper identification and cooking are crucial, as some people may experience adverse reactions.

This fungus usually fruits in late summer and fall, though it can appear at other times of year depending on local conditions. Its vibrant colors and large size make it relatively easy to spot for mushroom enthusiasts.

Ecological Significance of Tree-Dwelling Mushrooms

Tree-dwelling mushrooms play crucial roles in forest ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient cycling and provide essential habitats for various organisms.

Nutrient Recycling

Tree-dwelling mushrooms are nature’s recyclers. They break down dead wood and organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process is vital for forest health and regeneration.

These fungi possess specialized enzymes that can decompose lignin and cellulose, tough components of wood that few other organisms can digest. As they break down fallen branches and decaying trees, they release essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon.

The released nutrients become available to other plants and organisms in the forest. This recycling process helps maintain soil fertility and supports the growth of new trees and understory vegetation.

Habitat Creation

Tree-dwelling mushrooms create important microhabitats within forest ecosystems. Their fruiting bodies provide shelter and food sources for various insects, small mammals, and birds.

Many species of beetles, flies, and moths rely on these mushrooms for breeding sites and food. Some birds use tree mushrooms as nesting materials or platforms for building their nests.

The presence of tree-dwelling mushrooms can increase biodiversity in forests. They create unique niches that support specialized organisms, contributing to the overall ecological complexity of woodland environments.

Certain mushroom species form symbiotic relationships with trees, enhancing their growth and survival. These partnerships can improve forest resilience and help trees better withstand environmental stresses.

Mushroom Identification Basics

Identifying mushrooms growing on trees requires careful observation of key physical features and analytical techniques. Proper identification involves examining visible characteristics and conducting spore print analysis.

Key Physical Characteristics

When identifying tree-growing mushrooms, focus on cap shape, size, and color. Note the texture and patterns on the cap surface. Examine the underside for gills, pores, or teeth. Observe the stem’s length, thickness, and any rings or markings. Check for changes in color when the flesh is cut or bruised.

Look at how the mushrooms are growing – single specimens or clusters. Note their location on the tree: trunk, branches, or roots. Consider the tree species and whether it’s living or dead. Some mushrooms prefer specific tree types or only grow on decaying wood.

Role of Spore Prints

Spore prints are crucial for accurate mushroom identification. To make one, remove the cap and place it gill-side down on white paper. Cover with a bowl for several hours. The resulting spore deposit reveals important details:

• Color: Can range from white to black, with various shades in between
• Pattern: May be uniform or show distinctive markings
• Texture: Can be powdery, grainy, or smooth

Compare the spore print characteristics to field guides or online resources. This information, combined with physical observations, greatly enhances identification accuracy. Always consult expert sources or mycologists for definitive identification, especially before consuming any wild mushrooms.