The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer an online program on mushroom hunting later this month.
The edible morel mushroom shows itself during April and into May, but morels aren't the only wild edible mushrooms in Missouri. Chanterelles can be found growing May through September. Chicken of the Woods is a seasonal favorite from May into November. Puffballs appear from July into October. Shaggy Manes pop in September and October. Hen of the Woods show themselves during September into November and Oyster mushrooms grow year-round.
All these varieties will be discussed during MDC's "Wild Webcast on Mushroom Hunting" from noon-1 p.m. April 21. MDC experts will talk about where to find them and how to prepare them. They'll also provide information on how to identify and avoid the many poisonous kinds of Missouri mushrooms, including the deadly False Morel.
Register in advance for the free program by visiting mdc.webex.com/mdc/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6b13117ae8687c1d7ee649d81420cc60. Participants will be emailed a registration confirmation and instructions for joining the live webcast.
Learn more about the many kinds of mushrooms in Missouri through the MDC online Field Guide at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/search.
Get more information through MDC's free Guide to Missouri's Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms. View and download it at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/mushroom-hunting/guide-missouri%E2%80%99s-edible-and-poisonous-mushrooms.
Find mushroom recipes and more at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/recipes/all?field_ingredient_tid=5842.