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.
May Mushroom of the Month: Agaricus bitorquis // Pavement Mushroom
Agaricus bitorquis is a close relative of the familiar supermarket button mushroom, but this species has a far more rebellious streak. It can often be found fruiting in urban areas, pushing up through compacted soil and sometimes even cracking pavement – earning it the nickname “Pavement Mushroom.” These mushrooms typically appear in groups along sidewalks and disturbed ground. When young, their gills are a soft, bright pink, gradually darkening to a rich chocolate brown as the spores mature. One of the defining features of this species is the presence of two rings on the stem, formed as the veil detaches from both the upper and lower portions of the stipe – a trait reflected in its Latin name, bitorquis meaning “having two collars.”
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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.
