More Illinois Fungi
Clavariadelphus americanus
Galerina marginata
Coral Mushrooms
Auricularia auricula-judae
Flammulina velutipes
Hygrocybe psittacina
Aleuria aurantia
Boletus ornatipes
One could spend a full lifetime exploring mushrooms and other fungi in Illinois and never manage to figure out how many different species exist. There’s a good reason. Nobody knows yet. Scientists known as mycologists are busy sorting them out, identifying everything from the mushrooms sprouting on your front lawn to that fuzzy mold in the back of your refrigerator, giving them all--from mold to mushroom--proper names. Plenty of amateurs are joining this exploration, which requires nothing more than an appreciation of nature and a curiosity about the mushrooms of Illinois. Although no experience is necessary to appreciate mushrooms, careful study is required before eating anything you think might be edible. There’s a saying: There are old mushroom hunters, and there are bold mushroom hunters. But there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.
You can learn how to identify 40 different edible species found around Illinois with our new book “Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States (2009 University of Illinois Press). We’ve included tips for beginners, pictures of potential look-alikes--and original mushroom recipes from some of the best restaurants in Illinois.
Agaricus bisporus
 
Urnula craterium
Volvariella bombycina
Laccaria ochropurpurea
Inonotus hispidus
Craterellus cornucopiodes
Polyporus squamosus
Craterellus foetidus
Agaricus silvicola
Cantharellus lateritius
THE GOOD ONES.
illinoismushrooms.com