Oyster Mushroom

Description:

Called "oyster mushrooms," these fungi are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms in the world. The fungi grow naturally on and near trees in temperate and subtropic forests around the world, and they're grown commercially in many countries. The mushrooms typically have broad, thin oyster - or fan-shaped caps and are white, gray, or tan, with gills lining the underside. The caps are sometimes frilly-edged and can be found in clusters of small mushrooms or individually as larger mushrooms.

Habitat:

Oyster mushrooms grow on and near trees in subtropical and temperate forests of the world. As wood decomposers, they often grow on logs and dead standing trees. They tend to prefer deciduous trees, especially oak and beech. In the photo provided, the oyster mushrooms are growing on a dead standing tree surrounded by oak and beech trees.

Notes:

The oyster mushrooms were spotted at Okehocking Preserve in Chester County, Pennsylvania. They were growing on a dead standing tree surrounded by oak and beech trees in a riparian area. They oyster mushrooms were slimy and discolored, likely from being at this location for some time.