The Illinois Mycological Association is a group of fungal enthusiasts that meets frequently to learn about fungi through talks presented by experts, and to look for, identify and document wild fungi. We host monthly meetings with invited speakers, mycologist-led surveys to gather and document fungi, and an annual show at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
We welcome you to attend and learn more about fungi and the wild mushrooms of Illinois and the Chicago region.
December Mushroom of the Month: Sarcomyxa serotina \\ Late Oyster
Winter is here and so is Sarcomyxa serotina, colloquially known as Late Oyster Mushrooms. These fungi often appear after the first frost and can fruit through January. Commonly mistaken for Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus) because of their shape and habit to form in clusters, S. serotina has bounced through several genera. Historically it’s been included in the Panellus, Hohenbuehelia, Pleurotus, and Agaricus genera so you may find it listed under one of those taxonomies in older field guides. The caps of S. serotina can range from a yellow or brown to a strikingly odd hue of olive-purple, which you’ll know if you see it. And unlike Pleurotus, they produce cream to yellow colored spores. Though not super common, they are out there so keep your eyes peeled on your woodland walks this winter and make sure to have a good second look at what might first appear to be Oyster Mushrooms!
Photo andText by Liz Weinstein
Join your local mushroom club
Video by the Illinois Mycological Association.
Speakers: Patrick Leacock, Tom Volk, and Britt Bunyard.
Video created by James Strzelinski, Spiel.
Members of the Illinois Mycological Association post their mushroom photos to iNaturalist to record fungal diversity for the Chicago Region. Mycologist Patrick Leacock reviews a selection of recent observations organized by his Top Ten Lists of most common macro-fungi.
