There’s no doubt that Frederictonians, indeed North Americans, have their suspicions when it comes to wild mushrooms. That’s because we live in what can be considered a ‘mycophobic’ society, meaning, many of us have a distrust or fear associated with these fungal beings and are taught from an early age to avoid them altogether. There is certainly ample reason to be cautious of wild mushrooms, especially when they have names like ‘death cap’ or ‘destroying angel’. However, there are countless societies across the globe that embrace mushrooms not only as an integral part of their diet, but also medicinally and spiritually as well. France, for example, is a ‘mycophillic’ society, where mushroom hunting is commonplace and seen as a respectable vocation. Children are taught from a young age to know which ones to stay away from, and which to bring home to eat.

Mushroom foraging can be a rewarding activity that gets you out exploring and connecting with your local environment. If you want to get acquainted with mushrooms, join an experienced mushroom hunter on their next foray and learn as much as you can. Get mushroom identification books, make friends with other amateur enthusiasts, and constantly reference each other and online resources. Be sure to maintain a respect for the risk associated with wild mushrooms and always triple check before consuming any.

The best way to gain confidence is through regular practice.

The mushrooms listed below grow in abundance all around Fredericton. Each has its own deadly lookalike, but after some practice you should be able to distinguish the edible from the harmful. Further research on each variety is recommended.

The best time to look for mushrooms is generally from July-October (May/June for morels), a few days after big rain events. Keep close to small streams and north-facing slopes. It’s good to know what types of trees are often associated with the mushroom you’re searching for. Morelles, for example, tend to grow near mature apple trees. Odell is a great place for mushroom sightings, but be sure to look along the Gibson Trail, near Marysville, or anywhere with public access along the Nashwaak River.

My favorite varieties are:

Chanterelles
Foraging season: July-October
A very popular and well-known mushroom, bright orange, inverted umbrella shaped cap, grows near streams and soggy pathways.

Lobster Mushroom
Foraging season: July-October
A common red mushroom that bursts out of the ground, smells like seafood, and is often cup shaped.

Shaggy Manes
Foraging season: May-October
White, tall mushroom with black scales on the cap, older specimens begin to melt away into a black ooze, cap curls upwards, hence the alternative name ‘lawyers wig’,

Oyster mushrooms
Foraging season: throughout the summer
A common culinary mushroom often found in Asian dishes, grows on living trees in clusters, not as common as the others around Fredericton.

Morels
Foraging season: Late Spring
A brain-like mushroom that can be found in abandoned apple orchards, highly prized by mushroom enthusiasts.

To me, being able to identify plants and fungi that are growing in the wild is akin to knowing how to plant a seed in the ground or to cast a fishing line. It’s important for at least some of us to know these things and pass them on to the next generation. So get out there and explore (and don’t forget to mind the mushrooms!).

Have you found interesting mushrooms (edible or not!) around the Fredericton region? Please share your findings in the comments below!

Adam Weaver is a farmer and educator with a keen passion for nature. Raised near the foothills of the Rocky mountains, Adam has always enjoyed the natural world. He first began discovering names and uses of plants, identifying various culinary fungi during university but has learned so much more from mentors, books and travel. Adam offers plant and fungi walks at various times and locations throughout the year. You can follow him and ongoings at his homestead at The Birchweaver Homestead on Facebook, and @hairy.vetch for wild plants and fungi on instagram.