Backyards are not only charming, but they are also home to a variety of fascinating mushrooms. Each backyard is unique, whether it’s a simple lawn, a carefully tended garden, or a wildlife haven. But one thing you can be sure of is that it will always have fungi. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of backyard mushrooms.
To Kill or Keep Backyard Mushrooms?
Mushrooms popping up in the middle of the lawn may frustrate some homeowners, while others might see them as a delightful addition to their garden’s biodiversity. The truth is, eliminating mushrooms from your backyard is virtually impossible. Fungi are an essential part of healthy soil, breaking down organic matter and providing nutrients for plants to grow. So, the next time you spot mushrooms in your backyard, embrace them as a vital part of the natural life cycle.
However, if you want to minimize the presence of mushrooms in your yard, there are a few steps you can take. One option is to mow over or remove the fruiting bodies, although this won’t eliminate the fungi in the soil. Another strategy is to get rid of rotting material like wood and leaves, as fungi use these as a food source. By removing this material, you can potentially reduce the amount of fungus in your yard.
Remember that mushrooms thrive in wet and shady conditions. If you want fewer mushrooms to appear, you could try reducing shade and minimizing watering. It’s important to note that herbicides won’t work on mushrooms, as they are not plants. While fungicides exist, they only provide temporary relief. In the end, the easiest path to a harmonious backyard is to embrace the presence of mushrooms.
Fairy Rings Backyard Mushrooms
Fairy rings are among the most enchanting features that can appear in your backyard. These circular formations are created by approximately 60 different species of fungus belonging to the Basidiomycetes group. They typically start from a central point, such as a tree stump or a buried piece of wood. Fairy rings are especially common in grassy areas that were previously wooded, as the soil contains ample nutrients for mushroom growth.
Some ring-forming mushrooms provide beneficial plant nutrients, leading to taller grass within the fairy ring. However, other species can hinder water absorption or release chemicals that poison the grass. Fairy rings can grow until the fungus consumes all the nutrients in the central point, and some can even span impressive distances. So, the next time you stumble upon a fairy ring, take a moment to appreciate its natural wonder.
Lawyer’s Wig (Shaggy Manes) Backyard Mushrooms
Lawyer’s Wig, also known as Coprinus comatus or Shaggy Mane, is a type of edible mushroom that resembles a shaggy white or gray wig. It belongs to the family Agaricaceae and can be commonly found in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. Its distinct features include a tall, cylindrical cap covered in shaggy scales, which eventually turns dark brown or black as it matures.
When young and fresh, Lawyer’s Wig mushrooms are considered a delicacy, offering a mild flavor and slightly crunchy texture. However, they should be consumed quickly after picking, as they deteriorate rapidly. It’s important to exercise caution during foraging, as there are similar-looking, inedible or toxic mushrooms that can be mistaken for Lawyer’s Wig.
Puffball Backyard Mushrooms
Puffball mushrooms belong to the Basidiomycota division and can be found in various genera, such as Lycoperdon, Calvatia, and Bovista. Unlike typical mushrooms, they lack the cap and stem structure and instead have a round or globular shape. Puffballs come in different sizes and colors, with an outer surface that can be smooth, warty, or spiky. As they mature, they release a cloud of spores when compressed or ruptured.
Young puffballs with a firm, white interior are edible. However, it is crucial to cut them open and verify their solid white interior before consuming, as some toxic mushrooms can resemble puffballs. Careful identification and proper knowledge are essential when foraging for puffballs.
White Button Backyard Mushrooms
White buttons, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are the most commonly cultivated edible mushrooms worldwide. They are the immature form of Agaricus bisporus and are harvested before the cap fully opens and exposes the gills. These mushrooms have a small, round cap and a short stem, with a characteristic white or off-white color.
White button mushrooms offer a mild flavor and a tender texture, making them versatile for various culinary uses. They are also nutritious, providing essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and small amounts of protein. Due to their widespread cultivation, white button mushrooms can be easily found in grocery stores.
Lawn Mower’s Mushrooms
Lawn Mower’s mushrooms, scientifically known as Panaeolus foenisecii, are small brown mushrooms commonly found in lawns and grassy areas after rainfall. Despite their name, these mushrooms are not toxic but are generally not consumed due to their small size and lack of culinary value. They earned their common name because they often appear in lawns and gardens and can be unintentionally cut down or disturbed by lawn mowers.
When encountering mushrooms in your backyard or while foraging, it’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure proper identification before considering consumption. If uncertain about a mushroom’s identity, consult a local expert or a reputable field guide, and never consume a mushroom unless you are confident it is safe to eat.
False Parasol Mushrooms
False Parasol mushrooms, scientifically known as Chlorophyllum molybdites, are large toxic mushrooms commonly found in lawns, grassy areas, and gardens. They have an umbrella-like shape, with a broad, flat or slightly raised cap that can be white, cream, or light brown. While some edible mushrooms resemble False Parasol mushrooms, consuming them can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
It’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure proper identification before considering consumption. If uncertain about a mushroom’s identity, consult a local expert or a reputable field guide.
Conocybe Mushrooms
Conocybe mushrooms are delicate, small mushrooms typically discovered in grassy areas, lawns, and garden beds. They feature a conical or bell-shaped cap in shades of light brown to reddish-brown. Conocybe species can contain toxins similar to those found in deadly Amanita mushrooms, making them extremely dangerous if consumed. Avoid consuming Conocybe mushrooms and always seek proper identification before consuming any wild mushroom.
Psilocybe Mushrooms
Psilocybe, or “magic mushrooms,” are a genus of fungi known for their psychoactive compounds, primarily psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms can induce hallucinations and altered perceptions when ingested. While they can grow in various habitats, it’s important to remember that their consumption and possession are illegal in many countries due to their psychoactive effects and potential health risks. Additionally, misidentifying toxic mushrooms can have severe consequences, so proper identification is essential.
This article only scratches the surface of the incredible world of backyard mushrooms. Websites and resources can further expand your knowledge. Whether you’re interested in growing mushrooms or simply fascinated by these fungal inhabitants, there is always more to learn. The humble fungus remains a mystery, and we have a long way to go in understanding its wonders.
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