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Hypsizygus ulmarius

(Bull.) Redhead

Elm mushroom

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Jeff Steele, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jeff Steele

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Ryan Shaw, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ryan Shaw

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Иван Матершев, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Иван Матершев

Hypsizygus ulmarius, also known as the elm oyster mushroom, and less commonly as the elm leech. It has often been confused with oyster mushrooms in the Pleurotus genus but can be differentiated easily as the gills are either not decurrent or not deeply decurrent. While not quite as common as true oyster mushrooms, they have a wide range globally in temperate forests. It is an edible species. The mushrooms and vegetative hyphae of this species have been studied in recent years for their potential benefits to human health, and mycoremediation.

Description

A large white mushroom. It has a thick, almost central stalk.

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Edible Uses

Although many foragers feel that H. ulmarius mushrooms are tougher and do not taste as good as oyster mushrooms in the Pleurotus genus, they are still sought after in the wild. There are even commercially available kits to grow these mushrooms at home. Like most edible mushrooms, they are good sources of protein, fiber, and vitamin B.

Traditional Uses

The young fruiting bodies are used. It can be eaten providing it is completely unripe.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows on elm trees and elm logs.

Where It Grows

Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, North America, Sicily, USA,

Synonyms

TricholomopsisTricholoma ulmariusLyophyllum

Also Known As

Shiro-tamagi-take

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