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Honey Mushrooms

Armillaria gallica, solidipes, ostoyae, mellea

This mushroom is for expert identifiers only because it can easily be confused with several poisonous or deadly mushrooms.   

 

These magical mushrooms sometimes display bioluminescence, the gills will glow faintly green in the dark.  Honey mushrooms are famed as some of the largest organisms in the world, one covers the entirety of Ochoco National Forest underground.  The caps of these mushrooms are edible if thoroughly cooked (not the stems!) but have been known to cause tummy upset for some - proceed with caution.   

Bulbous Honey Mushroom Armillaria gallica

Armillaria gallica

Photo by: mycowalt

Honey Mushroom Armillaria solidipes aka ostoyae

Armillaria solidipes

Cap

Range from very pale to dark brown, most have tiny dark scales concentrated in the center of the cap 

Gills

White, creamy or pale orange

Stem

Typically has a white, cobwebby ring or skirt which marks a divide in coloration: lighter above and darker below

Companions

​gallica: Hardwoods like Oak

solidipes/ostoyae: Conifers

Seasons

Summer through early Winter

Look a-likes: 

Sulphur Tuft

Jack O Lantern

Deadly Galerina

Deadly Conocybe

Hypholoma fasciculare also known as Sulpher Tuft
Omphalotus olivascens also known as Jack O'Lantern
Galerina marginata also known as Deadly Galerina
Conocybe rugosa also known as Deadly Conocybe

Photo by: Brian V.

Photo by: billyd

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