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Post by arfcomhkr on Nov 13, 2014 19:56:22 GMT -5
Any good places? Best time?
I've never seen them or have never been in the right place at the right time.
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MRHyker
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Out to Lunch
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Post by MRHyker on Nov 14, 2014 8:29:13 GMT -5
I believe Morels are "early" mushrooms. There are several species and their growth periods overlap. The earliest is late March and the latest in early June. I've seen Morels in the Mon but I can't remember where. Most Morel hunters are reluctant to reveal the locations of known patches as they are hard to come by and easily over-harvested. My references tell me that the different species prefer distinct growing areas: Black Morels ( Morchella elata) might be your best bet as they are found in coniferous forests (especially spruce) and mixed woods with Poplar. They are considered excellent edibles but may cause stomach upsets.  Yellow Morels ( Morchella esculenta) can be found in apple orchards, burned areas, under dead elms and in woods containing oak, ash, tulip poplar, beech and maple. Choice edible!!!  Half-free Morel (Morchella semilibera) are found in moist forests under oak, tulip poplar and beech trees.Good eating.  There are others but this will get you started. They blend in well with the fallen leaves so are hard to spot.This info comes from the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Mushrooms - a very good reference book. |
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Post by Hours Per Mile on Nov 14, 2014 10:33:43 GMT -5
I often see Morel and Ramp hunters in early April... I have spotted them in Otter Creek, Cranberry, as well as on the AT in MD. I have a friend that grew up near Boonsboro that always talked about turf wars over foraging for the mushrooms. Just look for locals walking around with garbage bags, and firearms.
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MRHyker
Forum Elder
Out to Lunch
Posts: 130
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Post by MRHyker on Nov 14, 2014 10:50:50 GMT -5
There are other good eating 'shrooms besides Morels that are more common and found throughout the year. Chanterelles are highly sought by chefs. Chicken of the Woods is also very good but you have to pick it when it is young. The best time to look for fungi is right after a prolonged wet spell. Although many species can be found throughout the summer they are probably at their best in Sept/Oct time frame.
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