Field Mushroom Growth

How They Look

• All mushrooms don't resemble an umbrella in shape. Some are egg-shaped, some resemble sponges, others are shell-like growths that cling to trees. Mushrooms vary in color, as well. Some mushrooms have a partial veil that covers the gills until they are ready to produce spores, the "seed" of the mushroom. When enough time has passed and conditions are right, the spores of the field mushroom are released to be distributed by the wind or on the feet of passing animals to other locations to begin a new colony. According to U.S. Forestry Service records, only a small percentage of the field mushroom's spores will develop.

How They Grow

• It may seem as if mushrooms pop up over night--and they do, but only after weeks of development underground. Then, when the soil is the perfect temperature, it triggers a sudden burst of growth and the mushroom is pushed up through the earth's surface. Once the mushroom emerges, life is short above ground. The mushroom matures, spreads its spores and begins to deteriorate within days. According to the University of Missouri, the morel is one of the first mushrooms of spring, and at its peak between mid-April and mid-May. The structure of the morel is delicate and does not age well. Its sponge-like appearance is attractive to invading insects, which speed its deterioration.

Where They Grow

• The habitat of the mushroom varies according to species. The choice of many is the damp forest floor. The brown crimini grows in open fields where the soil is rich and loamy. It is sometimes called the "barley" mushroom because it often chooses a field where barley is grown as its habitat. The crimini is of sturdy stock, less prone to fast deterioration. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, if left to grow a few days longer than the lifespan of most mushrooms, the crimini will grow to a width of up to 5 inches. It is then the "portabella," prized by chefs for its more robust flavor, but simply an adult brown crimini.

Hide and Seek

• Some mushrooms never see the light of day. The truffle spends its life in total darkness underground. Having no chlorophyll, the green pigment of most plant-life, truffles have no need of photosynthesis to supply them with nourishment. They feed on the organic matter in the soil. They attach themselves to small feeder roots of trees, which (according to the USDA) is beneficial to both tree and truffle. When they mature and are ready to distribute their spores, truffles emit an odor that attracts small animals, announcing that dinner is ready. The animals dig and consume the truffle, but in so doing they scatter the spores for reproduction.