The orange mycena mushroom, scientifically known as Mycena leaiana or Mycena adonis, is a small, bright orange mushroom that grows in clusters on decaying hardwood. With its vibrant color and delicate stature, this mushroom is visually stunning, leading foragers to wonder – is the orange mycena edible?
Identifying the Orange Mycena Mushroom
The orange mycena is easy to identify thanks to its bright reddish-orange cap that fades to more yellowish at the edges. The cap is small, usually less than 2 inches wide, and convex to bell-shaped with a bit of an umbo or bump in the center. The cap and stem of younger specimens may be covered in tiny hairs or fuzz.
The slender stem is pale orange to somewhat yellowish and does not stain when handled. Unlike some other small orange mushrooms like the jack-o-lantern, the orange mycena does not have true gills but rather has very closely spaced and decurrent gill-like folds or ridges that run down its stem.
This mushroom fruits in clusters on decaying hardwood logs, stumps, and branches. It is widespread throughout North America and Europe in the summer and fall months. The orange mycena prefers growing on oak but can also grow from beech, hornbeam, and other deciduous trees.
Key identifying characteristics of the orange mycena mushroom include:
– Small orange cap up to 2 inches wide
– Grows in clusters on hardwood
– Delicate ribbed underside that decends down the stem
– Does not stain when handled
– No ring on the stem
Edibility of the Orange Mycena
The orange mycena mushroom is classified as inedible and mildly poisonous, though not deadly. While its bright coloration and dainty appearance may seem appealing, this little mushroom should not be eaten.
Consumption of the orange mycena can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Though it contains some toxins, this mushroom is not severely poisonous or life-threatening unless consumed in very large quantities.
Some key reasons why the orange mycena should be avoided as food include:
Unpleasant taste
The orange mycena is quite bitter and unpalatable. Most people describe the taste as off-putting and unpleasant. The acrid taste serves as a natural deterrent from ingesting large amounts.
Possible allergic reactions
Some people may experience localized skin irritation, redness, or rash after handling the orange mycena mushroom. Eating it could potentially trigger more severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Small size and delicate flesh
With caps under 2 inches wide and very thin, delicate flesh, the orange mycena does not provide much in the way of substance. A meal would require collecting a huge quantity of these tiny mushrooms.
Mild toxicity
While not deadly poisonous, the orange mycena contains some toxic components that can irritate the digestive system. Ingesting a large quantity could make you quite sick with vomiting and diarrhea.
Availability and identification concerns
The orange mycena is not a very widespread or abundant mushroom. Finding enough to actually eat would be difficult. Misidentification with other toxic orange mushrooms also poses safety risks.
Edibility of the Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom
The jack-o-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius) is another small, orange gilled mushroom people sometimes confuse with the edible chanterelle. However, the jack-o-lantern is toxic and should not be eaten.
This mushroom has true gills rather than ridges, does not grow in clustered but singly or in small groups, and has a base that luminesces in the dark. Consuming the jack-o-lantern leads to severe gastrointestinal illness. So proper identification between it and the chanterelle is very important.
Safety Precautions with the Orange Mycena
Though not deadly poisonous, the orange mycena still contains toxins and should not be consumed. Take the following precautions when handling this mushroom:
– Avoid ingesting the orange mycena or using it in food or beverages. Do not eat mushrooms you cannot positively identify.
– Wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent accidental ingestion or skin irritation.
– Keep away from pets and children, who may be tempted to sample the bright orange fungi.
– Take care not to mistake the orange mycena for edible lookalikes, especially the chanterelle which can look similar to an untrained eye.
– If you suspect you or someone else has consumed the orange mycena, call poison control or seek medical attention immediately. Provide information about the mushroom to aid in treatment.
Uses for the Orange Mycena
While not suitable for eating, the orange mycena does have some other interesting uses:
Natural Dye
The pigments of the orange mycena can be extracted to make a natural orange dye for fabrics, paper, wood, Easter eggs, and more. Boil the mushrooms in water, strain out the liquid, and add vinegar or salt as a fixative.
Decoration
The vibrant color and petite size of the orange mycena make it perfect for decorative wreaths, table centerpieces, flower arrangements, pressed flowers, and other crafts. Just don’t let kids or pets near decorations made with these mushrooms.
Firestarter
Dry orange mycena mushrooms are very flammable thanks to their thin flesh and high surface area. They make great tinder for starting campfires, fireplaces, and woodstoves when crumpled up into a fluffy ball.
Natural Ink
By boiling the caps in water you can create a natural orange ink. Strain the liquid and use it for drawing and painting. Mix with other natural pigments to make different hues.
Slime Mold Control
Some gardeners put dried orange mycena in their garden beds to help control slime molds which can rot plants. The mushrooms have antifungal properties that deter the slime molds without harming plants.
Conclusion
With its brilliant color but mildly toxic flesh, the orange mycena is a mushroom best appreciated for its beauty rather than eaten. This little fungus may not be suitable for the dinner table, but it has many other interesting uses from natural dye to firestarter. Proper identification and caution are advised to enjoy the orange mycena safely.
