California Wild Mushrooms Identification

Amanitas

• Amanita mushrooms have the classic mushroom shape: a cap upon a stem, with gills underneath the cap. Gills hang vertically, radiating outward from the stem, and produce the spores. Poisonous and nonpoisonous varieties exist in California and grow on lawns, compost and the forest floor.

Chanterelles

• Chanterelles are a favorite edible mushroom and don't have too many lookalikes. Some are shaped like funnels, or have a convex or vase-shaped cap. Black, yellow, gray, brown, purple and white varieties exist in California, and they can be found in pine forests.

Morels

• The morel is a highly desirable edible mushroom. It's tall and has an elongated, honeycombed cap. They're found in groups growing in a heavy mulch of leaves, and are among the first to be found after a cold winter. Some morels contain a toxin. Yellow and black morels grow in California coastal regions under pine trees.