Identifying mushrooms growing on trees is crucial for safe foraging. Several edible and poisonous species thrive on trees in Russia, requiring careful differentiation.

Edible Varieties:

• Scaly Polypore (Polyporus squamosus): Also known as “Pestrushka,” “Zayachnik,” or “Vyazovik,” this mushroom from the Polyporaceae family often grows on weakened elm trees in forests and urban parks. Young specimens are edible, best identified by their crumbling edges. Preparation includes soaking, chopping, and boiling before use in soups, stews, fried dishes, marinades, and pies.

• Beefsteak Fungus (Fistulina hepatica): Resembling raw beef liver, this mushroom is found on oaks, lindens, and chestnuts from late July to mid-autumn. Young Beefsteak Fungus has a juicy texture and a sour taste, suitable for frying, grilling, or adding to salads. It is rich in vitamin C.

• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): This parasitic fungus grows primarily on birch trees and appears as a dark, cracked crust. Chaga is valued for its organic acids, trace elements, and melanin. It is brewed like tea and believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus): Easily recognizable by its dense clusters, this mushroom prefers deciduous trees like oak, aspen, and birch. Young oyster mushrooms are best for eating and are prepared in soups, sauces, fillings, and main courses. They require heat treatment due to their chitin content.

• Sheathed Woodtuft (Kuehneromyces mutabilis): Also known as summer woodtuft, it grows in colonies on dead wood of deciduous trees. Sheathed Woodtufts are rich in fiber, protein, and minerals. They are versatile in cooking and are also cultivated commercially.

• Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa): Also known as Maitake, this mushroom resembles a dense bush with many fused mushroom tongues. Young Hen of the Woods specimens have a nutty taste and are stewed, fried, boiled, or added to soups. They require heat treatment and are valued in Japanese and Chinese medicine.

Poisonous Varieties:

• Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare): This dangerous mushroom can be confused with the edible Sheathed Woodtuft. Sulphur Tuft has a sulphur-yellow color, lacks dark scales on the stem, and does not have a ring under the cap. It has little to no smell and causes severe poisoning.

Conclusion:
Careful identification is essential when foraging for mushrooms. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous varieties, especially when they share similar habitats, is vital for avoiding potentially dangerous consequences.