Identification of mushrooms and other fungi is the most crucial part of mycology. Using an identification guide, the internet, or with the help of fellow mushroom enthusiasts is encouraged.
1. Take close up pictures(let the mushrooms fill the screen, and use shade to smooth the lighting) of all aspects, and life stages of the mushroom before you pick.
2. Carefully dig up(gloves are not necessary with mushrooms) the entire base of the fugi including any tap root like section that may be present(this will not hurt future growth of the fungal organism hidden in the substrate).
3, Take pictures of the complete underside including the base, and cap attachment(consider including a cross section).
4.Smell the mushroom, and If you know how, and feel confident in your ability to do a proper, and safe taste test scent, and taste can be another identification feature you can use.
5. A spore print can be taken by placing a cap gill, or pore side down on a piece of foil, and covering it with a bowl(place a toothpick under the edge of the bowl so moisture will be able to escape), leave it for 2 to 6 hour checking every 2 to see if it is ready, It should leave a nice print you can use to determine its color profile. If you want to save the print for later use allow it to dry before folding the foil, and tape to seal.
6. Chemical test are sometimes used by more experienced beginner, and moderate level collectors using KOH, Iron salts, Melzer's solution, and others to help with more difficult identifications.
7. Dehydration with careful labeling is done of specimens, to be saved for future study either for yourself, or induction into one of the many herbariums and fungariums around the country with proper documentation.
8. For moderate to advanced level collectors Microscopy of spores, and other areas of the mushroom are needed in many species.
9. DNA samples are taken by some to be sent for sequencing in many cases these days, and can be of great use in future studies.
10. Large mushroom identification groups, and forums on Facebook are the best place to get a good fast up to date identification of your finds. Please understand if you don't get a response it may be due to many reasons including "not enough information provided", or" too many people have posted covering up your post" so don't take it personnally.
11. Also, post your finds to the club's facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/796164887181832/ to show the rest of us. You never know your pictures may be selected to represent the club in some way.
12. Feel free to bring your fresh, or dehydrated finds to our events, and monthly meetings for show, and tell.
13. Only you can be responsible for the ultimate identification of your mushrooms so be careful to understand the correct scientific binominal name, and description of it. Only then can you properly research its edibility. It's is up to you what you do with the information you require so be safe you can only hold yourself responsible for your mistakes. Some people are allergic, or intollerant to mushrooms. some mushrooms will make you sick, some can kill you(slowly over a few days). Safe food handling is very important even with the best edibles. Be safe.
14. If you or anyone you know feel they have been poisoned by a mushroom remember "IT MUST BE INGESTED TO HARM YOU", and post the ingested mushroom to
Facebook's Public Group: "Poison Help; Emergency Ident For Mushrooms, Plants, & Bushcraft" https://www.facebook.com/groups/144798092849300/ for an emergency advanced level identification to help your emergency healcare professional do his job correctly the first time. Most times you will get ananswer within a few minutes when you provide them with proper pictures, and information. Don't put if off but don't worry even the most deadly mushrooms will take several days to kill, and with proper ID you can get the correct treatment.
Disclaimer: Mushroom Club Of Charlotte NC, its website, club, club members, and club officers can not be held responsible for the following;
1. The misuse, out of date, or misunderstanding of information provided.
2. Incorrect identification of your mushrooms because you are ultimately responisible for final identification.
3. Edibility of your finds.
4. Your safety while mushroom hunting, or durring forays, and other club related activities.,
Natural areas can be dangerous places, and edibility is not gauranteed therfore only you can be responsible for your participation, actions, and those of your charges please take care during all participation.