photo by David Stonner, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Warming spring weather brings nature to life prompting the popping up of morel mushrooms.

Morels aren’t the only wild edible mushrooms in Missouri though. Chanterelles can be found growing from May through September. Chicken of the Woods is a seasonal favorite from May into November. Puffballs appear from July into October. Shaggy Manes pop in September and October. Hen of the Woods show themselves during September into November and Oyster mushrooms grow year-round.

Residents are invited to join MDC for a “Wild Webcast on Mushroom Hunting” from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, to learn about the varieties of edible mushrooms found growing wild in Missouri; where to find them; and how to prepare them. They also can get important information on how to identify and avoid the many poisonous kinds of Missouri mushrooms – including the deadly False Morel.

You can register in advance for the free at mdc.webex.com/mdc/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6b13117ae8687c1d7ee649d81420cc60. Participants will be e-mailed a registration confirmation and instructions for joining the live webcast.