Introduction to Harvesting

Introduction to Fungi Identification & Harvesting

“Nothing more than mushroom identification develops the powers of observation.” — John Cage, INDETERMINACY

The Table of Contents (Click on the topics below)

How to Look at Fungi
- Introduction
- Spore Color
- Gill Attachment
- The Veil
- Stem Characters
- Other Characters
Getting Started
Learning More
Avoiding Mistakes

If You Suspect a Poisoning
If you suspect you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, contact a physician, the closest hospital ER, poison control center, or dial 911, depending on the severity of the reaction.
US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
The North American Mycological Association (NAMA) has information that may also be of help. Click here.

We do not ID mushrooms through this website.
If you are in need of an ID consider uploading quality photos with multiple views of your specimen and descriptions of your find to Mushroom Observer or iNaturalist including our projects or post in Wild Food Wisconsin or Mushroom Identification Group.

If you contact us and provide a way to get back to you, we may be able to provide suggestions for more identification resources you can use. You are always responsible for your own decisions taken on the basis of identification resources.

Wisconsin Mycological Society

Wisconsin Mycological Society (WMS) is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of mushrooms and other fungi throughout the state of Wisconsin. Education, safety, sustainability, community, and connecting with nature are our goals.

We are affiliated with NAMA, a society that covers all of North America and includes many affiliate clubs. We also love to support regional Wisconsin clubs and fungi related events. This includes the Madison Mycological Society and the Northwestern Wisconsin MycoEnthusiasts.

If you run or want to start a regional group, or one focused on a unique mycological topic, please do reach out to us.

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