Welcome to MycoMagnet: Edible Fungi of the Midwest
The Midwest region of the U.S. is home to a over a hundred edible mushroom species, many of which are readily identifiable with enough resources and experience. The purpose of this site is to provide high-quality photographs of both popular and frequently overlooked edible mushrooms found in the Wisconsin/Minnesota region, and tips to distinguish them from commnon inedible/poisonous species also found in this region. It is our hope that these images will:
- Acquaint you with new edible species
- Serve as "search images" for you in the woods
- Help confirm/renounce edible species identifications that you are uncertain about.
Cooking and eating wild mushrooms exposes you to a tremendous variety of new tastes, textures, medicinal benefits, and culinary fun! But remember, never eat any fungus unless you are absolutely certain of your identification, and don't take our word alone! Mushrooms are powerful, there are species that will kill you if you eat them.
News
The Minnesota Mycological Society has a lot of exciting upcoming events. Check out their website and facebook page for details. This is a great group of fungus-minded folk. They host a multitude of forays, identification sessions, a seasonal potluck, photo contest, and more. If you are a Minnesotan and into mushrooms, this group is for you. The $20 membership is a bargain for all you will experience and learn!
Featured Edible
Polyporous squamosus - Pheasant's Back
One of the first spring mushrooms in this region, Polyporous squamosus is easy to identify, has no poisonous look-alikes, and can often be found in large quantities. Due to the tendency of this species to become tough with age, its excellence as a wild edible has been misunderstood. If harvested at the proper time in development, this mushroom is on par with other "choice" edibles in both flavor and texture. read more >>
