Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus species) of Florida

Abstract

Oyster mushrooms (species in the genus Pleurotus) are common edible fungi that grow year-round in Florida. They can often be found growing from wood in shelf-like clusters in both urban and natural environments. They are also one of the most popular genera of cultivated mushrooms, and several species are commonly sold in grocery stores. Oyster mushrooms belong to the genus Pleurotus, and all known species are edible. However, some similar-looking mushrooms can be poisonous, so always use extreme caution when consuming mushrooms that were not cultivated for the purpose of human consumption. This publication is intended to introduce the general public to the oyster mushrooms of Florida.