Rare mushroom
Lobster Mushroom
Hypomyces lactifluorum
- WhenFruits July to October
- WhereMostly East Tennessee
Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) is a rare mushroom in Tennessee. Say it: hy-poh-my-seez lak-tih-flor-um.
How to know it
- Has: Bright orange crust
- Has: Bent, lumpy shape
- Does not have: No real gills
A mold that covers another mushroom
Edible Only fresh; the hidden host is unknown
Never eat a wild mushroom without an expert
Where and when
Fruits
Where to look
- Grows on Other mushrooms (Russulas and milk caps)
- Trees Hardwood and pine forests
- Conditions Summer and fall rains
Watch
Video coming soon. Lobster Mushroom appears in our Mushrooms of Tennessee on YouTube.
Also out in October
More photos
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iNaturalist contributor (CC0) -
iNaturalist contributor (CC0)
Get a note when it is in season
Never eat a wild mushroom unless an expert has identified it in person. This page is for learning, not a guide to eating.
Top photo: Matt D'Agrosa (CC BY) · source. Think something here is wrong? Tell us.