ST. LOUIS — As soil temperatures begin to warm up and moist conditions continue to prosper, morel mushroom hunters are gearing up for another season in the St. Louis area.
Morels may not look very appetizing for their brain-like look and earthy color; despite their appearance, these mushrooms are known for their decadence and use in upscale restaurants or in expensive dishes.
The morel mushroom, unlike other wild mushrooms, has a meaty texture compared to the typical slimy texture of a mushroom.
The Missouri Department of Conservation suggests learning how to correctly identify morels before misidentifying and consuming toxic mushrooms, such as the big red false morel, which are poisonous.
When can you start foraging?
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, from late March to early May, these small, fragile fungal organisms become a hot commodity.
The MDC advises foragers to seek out morels during moist spring weather with daytime temperatures in the low 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 50s. Late April is advised as a good time to start foraging for the mushrooms, which typically grow in bunches.
Morels peak when lilacs bloom from mid to late spring, typically in May, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Where can you find morels?
South- and west-facing slopes are typically good sites for foraging early in the season. While north and east slopes are best for foraging later in the season.
Areas around St. Louis that have experienced flooding, fires, or logging often produce “loads” of morels, according to the MDC. Morels can also be found amongst trees such as elms, ashes, cottonwoods, and recently dead trees.
It’s always best to check regulations before collecting mushrooms for personal use while foraging on public lands.
According to The Great Morel website, morel hunters have not shared any sightings in Missouri as of yet, but they have been located in neighboring states. Though, one forager in McDonald County, Missouri, near Oklahoma, did find 50 morel mushrooms last week.