Types Of Mushrooms That Grow On Trees – Your Ultimate Identification

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever been strolling through your garden or a local park and spotted a fascinating cluster of fungi sprouting from a tree trunk? It’s a common sight that sparks a lot of curiosity. You might wonder, “What is that? Is it good for the tree? Could I… eat it?”

You’re not alone in asking these questions! As gardeners, we’re naturally curious about every living thing that makes up our little ecosystem. I promise this guide will demystify these woody wonders for you. We’re here to help you feel confident and knowledgeable.

In this complete types of mushrooms that grow on trees guide, we’ll explore the most common varieties you might find, understand their vital role in nature, and even walk you through the exciting process of growing your own edible mushrooms on logs. Let’s dive into the fantastic world of fungi!

Why Do Mushrooms Grow on Trees, Anyway? Understanding the Garden Ecosystem

Before we can identify mushrooms, it helps to understand why they’re there in the first place. Think of a mushroom as just the fruit of a much larger organism called mycelium.

Mycelium is a vast network of thread-like cells that lives inside the wood, soil, or other organic matter. When conditions are right (usually after a good rain), the mycelium produces a mushroom to release spores and reproduce. It’s the plant’s version of flowering!

Tree-dwelling fungi generally fall into two main categories:

  • Saprophytic Fungi: These are the ultimate recyclers. They feed on dead or decaying wood, breaking down tough materials like lignin and cellulose. They are a crucial part of a healthy, eco-friendly types of mushrooms that grow on trees system, returning vital nutrients to the soil. If you see mushrooms on a dead stump or a fallen log, it’s likely a saprophyte doing its job.
  • Parasitic Fungi: These types of fungi feed on living trees. While they can sometimes weaken or even kill their host over time, they are also a natural part of the forest life cycle, helping to weed out weaker trees and make room for new growth.

A Gardener’s Guide to Common Types of Mushrooms That Grow on Trees

Here comes the fun part—identification! But first, a very important word of caution. This is perhaps one of the most important types of mushrooms that grow on trees tips you will ever receive.

WARNING: Never, ever eat a wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification. Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes that can cause serious illness or even death. When in doubt, throw it out. Always consult with a local expert or a trusted field guide before consuming anything you forage.

With that crucial safety note in mind, let’s explore some of the fascinating characters you might meet in your garden.

Edible & Choice Varieties (With Extreme Caution!)

These are some of the gourmet mushrooms that people actively seek out or cultivate.

Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
These are one of the most common and easiest to identify edible mushrooms. They grow in beautiful, shelf-like clusters and get their name from their vague resemblance to an oyster. They typically have a mild, pleasant smell.

  • Appearance: Fan-shaped or oyster-shaped caps. Colors range from white and grey to tan or even pink and yellow. They have “decurrent” gills, meaning they run down the stem.
  • Found On: Dead or dying hardwood trees like beech, aspen, and oak.

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
You can’t miss this one! Its brilliant yellow-orange color is a dead giveaway. It grows in large, overlapping shelves and, when cooked, has a texture remarkably similar to chicken, making it a favorite among foragers.

  • Appearance: Bright orange or yellow, wavy-edged brackets. It has pores on its underside, not gills.
  • Found On: Both living and dead hardwoods, especially oak. Be cautious with those growing on conifers, as they can cause gastric upset.
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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
This mushroom is truly unique, looking less like a traditional mushroom and more like a white, shaggy pom-pom or a cascading icicle. It’s prized for both its delicate, lobster-like flavor and its reputed cognitive health benefits.

  • Appearance: A single, large clump of dangling, spine-like teeth. It has no cap or stem.
  • Found On: Dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly oak, maple, and beech.

Interesting (But Not for Eating) Varieties

Not every mushroom is for the dinner table! Some are beautiful, medicinal, or just plain interesting to observe.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
As its name suggests, this fungus looks like the fanned-out tail of a turkey. It’s a tough, leathery polypore (a mushroom with pores instead of gills) and is one of the most common mushrooms in the world. While not “edible” in the traditional sense, it’s widely used to make teas and tinctures for its medicinal properties.

  • Appearance: Thin, semi-circular caps with distinct, multi-colored concentric zones in shades of brown, grey, blue, and white.
  • Found On: Dead logs, stumps, and branches of hardwood trees.

Artist’s Conk (Ganoderma applanatum)
This is a hard, woody shelf fungus that can live for many years, adding a new layer of growth each season. Its common name comes from the fact that its white pore surface will instantly bruise brown when scratched, allowing you to draw on it.

  • Appearance: A tough, woody shelf with a grayish-brown top and a white underside.
  • Found On: Dead and living hardwoods.

The Good, The Bad, and The Fungi: Are Tree Mushrooms Harmful?

This is a question every gardener asks. The answer? It depends entirely on the mushroom and the health of the tree.

For the most part, if you see mushrooms on a dead stump or log, it’s a good thing. These decomposers are breaking down the wood and enriching your garden soil. This is one of the key benefits of types of mushrooms that grow on trees.

However, if you spot mushrooms growing from the base or trunk of a living, prized tree, it can be a sign of trouble. This often indicates that a parasitic fungus is at work, or that the tree has an internal wound or area of decay that the fungus is colonizing. The mushroom is just the symptom of a deeper issue.

Cultivating Your Own: How to Grow Edible Mushrooms on Logs

Ready to move from observer to cultivator? Learning how to types of mushrooms that grow on trees at home is an incredibly rewarding project. Log cultivation is a simple, low-tech way to grow delicious mushrooms like Shiitake or Oyster right in a shady corner of your garden.

What You’ll Need

  • Freshly Cut Hardwood Logs: Oak, maple, or beech work great. They should be 4-6 inches in diameter and cut within the last few weeks.
  • Mushroom Spawn: You can buy this online as either “plug spawn” (small wooden dowels) or “sawdust spawn.”
  • A Drill: With a drill bit that matches the size of your plug spawn.
  • A Hammer or Mallet.
  • Sealing Wax: Food-grade cheese wax or beeswax works well to protect the spawn.

Step-by-Step Log Inoculation Guide

  1. Drill the Holes: Drill holes about 1-1.5 inches deep in a diamond pattern all over the log, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart.
  2. Inoculate with Spawn: If using plugs, simply tap them into the holes with your hammer until they are flush with the surface. If using sawdust spawn, pack it tightly into the holes.
  3. Seal the Deal: Melt your wax in a small pot (an old slow cooker on low works great for this). Use a small brush or dauber to apply a thin layer of wax over each inoculated hole. This locks in moisture and keeps contaminants out.
  4. Let it Colonize: Stack your logs in a shady, protected spot where they will receive natural rainfall. It will take 6-18 months for the mycelium to fully colonize the log. Patience is key!
  5. Initiate Fruiting: After the colonization period, you can encourage the logs to produce mushrooms (or “fruit”) by soaking them in cold water for 24 hours. Place them back in their shady spot, and you should see tiny mushrooms appearing within a week or two!

This simple process is a cornerstone of any good types of mushrooms that grow on trees care guide for aspiring home growers.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Best Practices

Engaging with fungi in your garden is a wonderful way to connect with nature. To keep it positive, follow a few sustainable types of mushrooms that grow on trees best practices.

  • Forage Responsibly: If you forage, never take everything. Leave plenty of mushrooms behind to release their spores and ensure future growth.
  • Use Fallen Wood: For your cultivation projects, use wood from fallen trees or branches after a storm. This is the ultimate form of recycling!
  • Observe, Don’t Disturb: Appreciate the mushrooms you find. They are a sign of a dynamic and healthy ecosystem at work. There’s no need to remove them unless they are on a living tree you are concerned about.
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Common Problems & Solutions When Dealing with Tree Fungi

Even with fungi, a few issues can pop up. Here are some common problems with types of mushrooms that grow on trees and how to handle them.

  • Problem: Mushrooms are growing at the base of my favorite old oak tree.

    Solution: This could be a sign of root rot. The mushroom is just the messenger. It’s best to consult a certified arborist to assess the tree’s structural integrity and health.
  • Problem: My inoculated logs aren’t producing any mushrooms.

    Solution: Be patient! Colonization takes time. Ensure your logs haven’t dried out completely. If they feel light, give them a good soaking with a hose.
  • Problem: Small, unidentified mushrooms are popping up in my wood chip mulch.

    Solution: Don’t worry! This is perfectly normal and a sign that your mulch is breaking down into rich soil. These are beneficial decomposers. Unless you have pets or small children who might eat them, it’s best to just leave them be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mushrooms on Trees

Can I eat the mushrooms growing on my backyard tree?

Unless you are an expert mycologist, the answer should always be no. The risk of misidentification is far too high. It is always safer to buy a mushroom growing kit or cultivate your own from known spawn.

Do mushrooms mean my tree is dying?

Not necessarily, but it can be a red flag. If the mushrooms are on dead branches or a dead stump, it’s normal decomposition. If they are on the main trunk or roots of a living tree, it indicates that part of the tree is decaying and it’s wise to have it inspected by a professional.

How can I get rid of mushrooms on my tree?

Simply knocking off the mushroom (the fruiting body) does not get rid of the fungus, as the main organism (the mycelium) lives deep inside the wood. The only way to manage it is to address the underlying cause, which is usually dead or decaying wood. Pruning dead branches can help.

What are the benefits of having these types of mushrooms in my garden?

The benefits of types of mushrooms that grow on trees are immense! They are master decomposers, creating rich soil by breaking down tough wood. They are a food source for wildlife, a potential food source for you (if cultivated), and add a layer of wild, natural beauty to the garden.

A New Appreciation for Fungi

Mushrooms are not just strange growths; they are the architects of the forest floor, the quiet recyclers that sustain the entire ecosystem of your garden. They tell a story of life, decay, and rebirth.

So the next time you spot a colorful shelf fungus on a log, I hope you see it with new eyes. Appreciate its beauty, understand its purpose, and maybe even feel inspired to start your own little mushroom farm.

Go forth and explore the fantastic world of fungi in your own backyard. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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