Oyster Mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus

Description:

Found this span of oysters growing in Ouachita National Forest in late December, after there had been a lot of rain. It was cold; one of the mushrooms that had fallen from the tree was partially frozen. I broke the cap and the smell was slightly sweet, somewhat apple-like, but hard to explain. Oyster Mushrooms are common and sought out for their edibility, but I think these were a little past prime for harvesting.

Habitat:

They were growing out of moss on a tree (species unknown) after thorough cold rains in December. They were still alive, enduring the drop into freezing temperatures in the days after.