missourimorris

Thank you for your comment. Although it is not clear in the second photo, that mushroom was growing out from where a deciduous tree stump met the dirt. All of the photos are actually taken from a cluster of mushrooms I found growing on or within a few feet from that stump and the wood surrounding it. But I respect your admonition and will opt out of picking this one when I return. Also, I appreciate your comment regarding ID'ing oysters for beginners; I too observed that the consequences of misidentifying oysters with similar types do not appear as risky as with other varieties, although I plan to steer clear of anything resembling Angel's Wings.

I should preface this post by saying I am a beginner at this. However, I have been hard at work researching the distinguishing characteristics for oyster mushrooms myself this past week and based on what I've reviewed so far I would say based on the coloring, shape, and thickness of the hood in group 1 that these are more likely oysters than anything else. But the remaining groups bear a resemblence to Angel's Wings given their color and the thinness of the hood. Although I think it's likely that group 4 are oysters rather than Angel's Wings I would not bet on it ... as for whether Angel's Wings are edible, that seems debatable from what I've read as well (see documented poisonings in Japan) ...

I'm obviously a beginner and perhaps too cautious but I was hoping for some validation that these are, in fact, oysters. Thanks.

First, I want to introduce myself. Briefly I am in my 30s but I am new to mushroom foraging and looking for any insight or advice I can find on this board. Oh yeah, I live in the St. Louis metro area and enjoy the outdoors. Second, I believe I have stumbled upon a good cluster of oyster mushrooms but was hoping someone would help me confirm these are, in fact, oysters. I have attached pics in the forum on identifying mushrooms ... I welcome any relevant thoughts. Thanks.