Key Features:

• Growing sheIf1ike on dead trees, logs, or stumps.

• Cap medium-sized to large (>2" broad).

• Cap bald, white to gray, dark gray, tan, or brown.

• Gills white or at least pale, running down stalk (if stalk is present).

• Stalk short, thick, and off-center or entirely absent.

• Veil, ring, and volva absent.

• Spores whitish or tinged lilac.

 Other Features: Flesh fairly thick; gills broad (fairly deep), sometimes yellowish or grayish in age.

 Where: In groups or shelving masses on dead hardwoods (or occasionally conifers); widespread and abundant, especially on cottonwood, willow, alder, oak, and orchard trees. It favors cool weather (fall and winter on the coast, spring and fall inland).

 Edibility: Delicious grilled or fried; it is very popular and is now grown commercially.

 Note: The oyster mushroom is actually a collection of closely related species and ecological forms. Some are pale-capped and fairly thin; others are thick, meaty, and dark-capped. If you carry home an "oyster log" and keep it moist and cool, you should be able to harvest it regularly.