Northwest Lawn Mushrooms

The Pacific Northwest is a region known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife, but it is also home to a wide variety of mushrooms. Many of these mushrooms can be found growing right in your own backyard, on your lawn or in the surrounding areas. Some of these mushrooms are edible and delicious, while others are poisonous and potentially deadly. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mushrooms found on lawns in the Pacific Northwest.

1. Lawn Mower's Mushroom (Panaeolus foenisecii)

The Lawn Mower's Mushroom is a common mushroom found on lawns in the Pacific Northwest. It is small, brown, and grows in clusters. It is often mistaken for a Psilocybe mushroom, which is psychoactive and illegal to consume. However, the Lawn Mower's Mushroom is not psychoactive or illegal and is actually edible, although not particularly tasty.

2. Fairy Ring Mushroom (Marasmius oreades)

The Fairy Ring Mushroom is another common mushroom found on lawns in the Pacific Northwest. It is named for the circular pattern in which it grows, known as a fairy ring. The mushroom is small and tan in color, with a thin stem and cap. It is edible, although it is not particularly flavorful.

3. Snowbank Mushroom (Galerina nivalis)

The Snowbank Mushroom is a small, brown mushroom found on lawns and in other grassy areas in the Pacific Northwest. It is named for its preference for growing in snowy areas, but it can also be found on lawns during the wetter months of the year. The Snowbank Mushroom is poisonous and can cause severe liver damage if ingested.

4. Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)

The Shaggy Mane is a unique and recognizable mushroom found on lawns and in other grassy areas in the Pacific Northwest. It has a tall, slender stem and a distinctive shaggy cap that is white at first and gradually turns black as it ages. The Shaggy Mane is edible and is considered a delicacy by some, although it is best consumed when very fresh.

5. Inky Cap (Coprinopsis atramentaria)

The Inky Cap is another distinctive mushroom found on lawns and in other grassy areas in the Pacific Northwest. It has a tall, slender stem and a bell-shaped cap that is initially white but gradually turns black as it matures. The Inky Cap is edible, but it should be consumed soon after harvesting, as it rapidly turns into a black, inky liquid.

6. Yellow Houseplant Mushroom (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii)

The Yellow Houseplant Mushroom is a small, bright yellow mushroom that is commonly found growing in houseplants, but it can also be found on lawns in the Pacific Northwest. It is not considered to be poisonous, but it is not particularly flavorful and is generally not consumed.

7. Puffball Mushroom (Calvatia booniana)

The Puffball Mushroom is a round, white mushroom found on lawns and in other grassy areas in the Pacific Northwest. It is edible, and its flavor is said to be similar to that of tofu. However, it is important to harvest the Puffball Mushroom when it is still young and white, as it quickly turns yellow and becomes inedible.

While there are many other mushrooms that can be found on lawns in the Pacific Northwest, these are some of the most common. It is important to exercise caution when harvesting and consuming wild mushrooms, as many can be poisonous and even deadly. Always consult an expert or reference book to properly identify any mushrooms before consuming them.