We all know that eating wild mushrooms can be dangerous. Naturally occurring in nature, you can find mildly toxic, psychedelic, edible, and entirely deadly mushrooms and it can be risky to find out what’s safe.
The good news is, other brave people have already gone through the trial and error of finding out which mushrooms are edible or not!
This is why relying on educated mycologists and seasoned foragers is so essential in your pursuit for wild edibles!
However, it’s hard to know what to trust when it comes to identifying wild mushrooms, which is why I’ve done the research for you!
Today, I present my top three suggestions for mushroom foraging field guides in North America!
Remember that it’s always a good idea to cross-reference your findings to ensure proper identification. Because what’s better than one professional’s opinion? Two, of course!
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So, let’s begin!
This was one of my first field guides for mushrooms, and I have gotten so much use out of it!
The illustrations and detailed information are made simple to help you easily understand the complexities of mushrooms.
This guide begins with a fantastic gill guide, (which is an extremely helpful identification tool) and goes deeper into key attributes of each mushroom to assist in proper identification.
Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned forager, I highly recommend this guide. It’s definitely loaded with fun and helpful information!
Initially published in 1981, this timeless field guide is a wonderful source for reliable photographs and diagrams paired with so much information, from growing range and habitat to look-alikes and fun facts – this field guide has something for every mycologist!
This comprehensive guide to North American mushrooms is structured to be easy to read and simple to understand. I’ve heard this foraging guide described as a mushroom dictionary, which it really is!
The first half is almost entirely made up of close-up photographs with references to the other half of the book, which has all of the great information that you are looking for! It’s a mushroom identification dream come true!
This is a fun one and a perfect guide for beginners! This book focuses on the 29 edible species of mushrooms you will most likely come across, with comprehensive information about each one.
This is a great guide for learning how to safely and sustainably forage mushrooms as well. Additionally, there is helpful information about cooking and preserving your foraged fungi – which is what this is all about!
Filled with puns, rhymes, and giggle-worthy phrases, this field guide is a memorable one that will help you with your overall knowledge in the field!
When you are foraging mushrooms, your absolute top priority should be proper identification to ensure safety for consumption.
Having reliable sources to lean on for knowledge and confirmation is more than just a convenient resource; it’s a lifeline that you should absolutely take advantage of to ensure your foraging experience is safe and successful.
Foraging, especially for mushrooms, is such an enriching hobby. The excitement of finding interesting new fungi to learn about and the thrill of discovering familiar mushrooms that you know and love is a feeling that never seems to get old.
Whether you’re just beginning or have been doing this your whole life, I hope you can find some new and helpful information from these fantastic books – I know I have!
Remember that every mushroom is technically edible… However, some of them are only edible once. (If you catch my drift) so, be safe out there!
If you want to learn more about foraging mushrooms, check out Mushrooms: Best Tips and Methods for Foraging
Or if you’re looking for some of the best foraging gear to help with a successful season, check out 7 Essential Items for Successful Foraging in 2024
Do you have a favorite mushroom field guide that you rely on? I love finding new guides and I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below!
Thanks for reading, and happy foraging!
-Jessica C.
Bigfoot's Friend 
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