Oyster Mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus

Must cookOct–FebFungi

Dead standing or fallen deciduous wood, especially beech and elm

Find on Map

All Identification Points

Fan to oyster-shaped cap, grey to blue-grey to grey-brown

Growing in overlapping tiers or clusters on dead deciduous wood

Crowded white gills running down a very short stubby lateral stem

Mild pleasant anise-mushroom scent

No ring; cap margin inrolled when young

Harvest Notes

Harvest young, firm, fresh specimens. Twist off cleanly. Older specimens toughen and lose flavour quickly.

Uses

Pan-fried, stir-fry, soups, pasta. Strong flavour pairs well with garlic and butter.

Equipment Needed

Knife or hands, bag.

Storage

Use within 3–4 days. Sauté and freeze for longer storage.

Lookalikes

Angel Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens) — pure white, grows only on conifer wood, reported toxic. Oyster mushrooms are grey-brown on deciduous trees exclusively. Confirm wood species if uncertain.

Spore Print

Lilac-white

Relative Nutrition

Protein

Vitamin C

Iron

Personal foraging permitted under the Theft Act 1968. Never uproot plants without landowner permission. Always use multiple identification methods before consuming any wild food.

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