I didn't see a mushroom forum, so I wondered if anyone here would have an idea. I KNOW what it looks like to me, but what do I know!
UFO Mushroom
That looks like the Common or Yellow Morel - Morchella esculenta: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?stat=BROWSE&query_src=photos_fungi_sci&where-genre=Fungi&where-taxon=Morchella+esculenta&title_tag=Morchella+esculenta
Kennedy
That would be great...always wanted to really see a Morel!
You lucky thing!! We don't have morels down here. I would love to cook a few.
Johanna
Yes, by the time I was sure that's what they were, almost all were drying up. And in recent weeks, it's been really dry, so there may not be another crop this year unless we get some good rain soon! Well, at least there's fresh spores out there! Ha! Now I'll probably be prowling around every spring looking for morels! Wish there was some kind of local organization that did stuff like that. If I buy a book, I'll want to learn more about mushrooms! I do remember someone mentioned about one guy that would go out with friends to look for morels near a town that's close to San Antonio. Are you sure there aren't any in the general area you live? I would never have thought there would be any on my property...it's really not a place that's hospitable to many species...I've lived here fairly a long time and never noticed them before!
This message was edited Apr 4, 2010 1:51 PM
Linda, There are many sites online with a wealth on infomation about mushrooms.
do a google search.
I have not read this book but it looks good:
http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Mushrooms-Field-Corrie-Herring/dp/0292751265#noop
Also there is the Gulf Coast Mycological Society.org that would be very interesting to join. They may be able to give you the name of a shroomer who lives near you. Going on mushroom forays is the best and safest way to learn about the ones you can eat in your area.
I have looked at lots of info and I live just south of an area where there are occassional morels growing. We do have chatrelles and oyster mushrooms in season which are delicious. I do cook these. There are many edible varieties that grow here but I am not confidant enough of my identification skills to eat most of them.
Johanna
Whoa! You gotta look at these!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD6Fbg9pUTY
A good example of the eccentric folk who hunt and eat mushrooms. Most mushroomes are a little odd and usually smart--after all, if they weren't smart, they would no longer be among us. I went on a foray with a guy who had been poisoned 8 times!!! and lived to tell about it. That's learning the hard way.
:-)
Johanna
Yes, and that's not smart! One reason I'd like to go out somewhere in the field with very experienced people and a field guide. I know a lot of wild plants...kind of my hobby. When I mis-identify a wild plant (and don't taste it) I might be a tiny bit embarrassed later when I realize I'm wrong. But a mis-ID on a mushroom I eat could cause death or ER visits!
Linda, you may be interested in this yahoo group. There are just a few posts but the group has some knowledgable people.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/chatmush/
Johanna
And this:
http://www.gsmyco.org/
Okay, thanks!
Linda, I know people who drive to Eastern Wa. to pick Morels. they said after there's been a wild fire they're more plentiful. here in Western Wa. I go after the Chantrells, Masataake, Oyster, (spelling ) I've seen people collecting others but I was told if you don't know what it is, don't pick it, Jim