4 types of Orange Mushrooms In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a variety of mushroom species, some of which have vibrant orange hues.

If you’re an avid mushroom hunter, you may have come across the orange mushrooms in Pennsylvania and wondered what they are.

In this article, we’ll explore four different types of orange mushrooms that can be found in this state.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Chicken Of The Woods mushroom is a bright orange edible fungus that grows on oak and cherry trees, but may cause allergic reactions and requires consultation with a mycologist before consuming.
Chanterelle mushrooms are highly sought-after edible fungi with a rich, nutty flavor and meaty texture, found in deciduous forests under oak, beech, and birch trees, and are rich in antioxidants and vitamin D.
Galerina mushroom is a small brown toxic fungus containing amatoxins that can cause liver failure and death.
Jack O’Lantern mushroom is a deceptively beautiful orange-colored fungus that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and hallucinations if ingested, and is often mistaken for Chanterelle.

1. Chicken Of The Woods

The Chicken of the Woods mushroom, also known as Sulphur Shelf and scientifically named Laetiporus sulphureus, is a delicious find for mushroom hunters in Pennsylvania.

It is known for its meaty texture and vibrant orange color.

This mushroom grows in clusters on the trunks of deciduous trees, particularly oak and beech trees.

When foraging for the Chicken of the Woods mushroom, it is important to know how to identify it.

This mushroom has a shelf-like appearance and grows in overlapping clusters, with each cluster ranging in size from a few inches to several feet across.

The top of the mushroom is bright orange, while the underside is a bright yellow color.

The texture is firm and meaty, with a slightly spongy feel.

The Chicken of the Woods mushroom has a variety of uses and recipes. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, and baking.

It is often used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes, due to its meaty texture.

The mushroom can also be dried and powdered, and used as a natural food coloring.

When harvesting this mushroom, it is important to only take a small portion of the cluster, leaving the rest to continue growing.

The habitat preferences of the Chicken of the Woods mushroom include growing on the trunks of deciduous trees, particularly oak and beech trees.

It is commonly found in forests and wooded areas, and is most often found in the late summer and early fall.

When foraging for this mushroom, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of consuming wild mushrooms.

It’s always recommended to forage with an experienced guide, or to have a trained expert identify the mushrooms before consuming them.

2. Chanterelle Mushrooms

If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon them, you’ll find chanterelles popping up in the forests of PA like little golden treasures.

These mushrooms are known for their unique trumpet-like shape, bright yellow color, and a fruity aroma that resembles apricots.

Chanterelles belong to the Cantharellaceae family and are one of the most sought-after edible fungi.

Foraging Tips:

Chanterelles are typically found in deciduous forests and grow under trees such as oak, beech, and birch. Look for them in areas with moist soil and plenty of shade.
To identify chanterelles, look for their characteristic trumpet-shaped cap with wavy edges. They have a distinct yellow-orange color and a ridged, almost gill-like underside.
When harvesting chanterelles, use a sharp knife to cut them at the base of the stem. Avoid picking them by hand as this can damage the delicate fungi.

Medicinal Benefits:

Chanterelles are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and inflammation.
They are also rich in vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function.
Some studies have found that compounds in chanterelles may have anti-tumor properties, making them a potential cancer-fighting food. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Chanterelles are a prized mushroom that can be found in the forests of Pennsylvania. With their distinct appearance and delicious flavor, they are a popular ingredient in many dishes.

When foraging for chanterelles, be sure to follow the proper identification and harvesting techniques.

Additionally, chanterelles offer a range of potential health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

3. Deadly Galerina

When you’re out foraging in the forest, watch out for the deadly galerina mushroom. It has a small brown cap and gills that blend into the stem.

Consuming even a small amount can cause liver failure and ultimately lead to death.

The toxic effects of this mushroom are due to the presence of amatoxins, which destroy liver cells and cause internal bleeding.

Unfortunately, the galerina mushroom is often mistaken for the edible honey mushroom, which looks very similar but has slightly different features.

To avoid ingesting the deadly galerina mushroom, it’s important to learn how to correctly identify it.

The cap of the mushroom is usually a dark brown color and can range from 0.5 to 3 centimeters in diameter. The gills of the mushroom are attached to the stem and are usually of the same color as the cap.

One key distinguishing feature is the presence of a ring on the stem, which is absent in the honey mushroom.

If you suspect that you have ingested the deadly galerina mushroom, seek medical treatment immediately.

The toxic effects of the mushroom can take several hours to appear, so it’s important to act quickly.

Treatment may include administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxins, or in severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

4. Jack O’Lantern Mushroom

Beware of the Jack O’Lantern mushroom, a deceptively beautiful fungus that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and even hallucinations if ingested.

This bright orange mushroom, also known as Omphalotus illudens, is commonly found in Pennsylvania and other parts of the United States.

Here are three important things to know about the Jack O’Lantern mushroom:

How to identify Jack O’Lantern mushrooms: These mushrooms have a distinctive orange color that can range from pale to bright. They also have gills that are attached to the stem and emit a bright green glow in the dark. However, it’s important to note that the Jack O’Lantern mushroom can be easily mistaken for the edible Chanterelle mushroom, which is also orange and has gills attached to the stem. To avoid confusion, it’s recommended to only forage for mushrooms with an experienced guide.
Uses for Jack O’Lantern mushrooms: Despite being poisonous, the Jack O’Lantern mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat certain ailments. It contains chemicals that have been shown to have anti-tumor properties and may also have potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s important to note that these medicinal uses are still being researched and should not be attempted without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Jack O’Lantern mushroom recipes: While it’s not safe to eat the Jack O’Lantern mushroom, there are ways to incorporate its unique color and shape into decorative dishes. For example, the mushroom can be sliced and used to create a Halloween-themed pizza or used as a garnish for a spooky cocktail. However, it’s important to remember that the mushroom should not be consumed, even in small amounts, as it can cause serious harm.

What is the orange mushroom on the tree in Pennsylvania?

You may come across a vibrant fungus with a cap resembling a flickering lantern, clinging to the bark of trees in the woods of Pennsylvania. This bright orange mushroom is known as the Chicken of the Woods, scientifically named Laetiporus sulphureus.

It is a common sight during the summer and fall seasons, and it can grow to a significant size, sometimes reaching up to 50 pounds.