Late Oyster Mushroom, Panellus serotinus

The Late Oyster Mushroom, Panellus serotinus, could be easily confused with or mistaken for the real Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (last week’s featured species). Were you to so confuse it for the real Oyster Mushroom, you’ll find your mistake to be far less tasty, but fortunately, not life threatening.  While technically edible, the Late Oyster is definitely a far less delectable species than Pleurotus ostreatus.  Although a handsome looking fungus in its own right, the Late Oyster Mushroom is quite tough, and to be eaten must first be cooked for a considerable length of time.  Also, older specimens may be bitter tasting.

Both oyster mushroom species resemble one another as they have gills extending down a short stipe (or stem)—and, that like the real Oyster Mushroom, this stipe may also be totally lacking.  Also, both species are pleurotoid (or laterally attached) in stature.  The word “pleurotoid” was coined in reference to the characteristic lateral growth form attachment of “Pleurotus,”-- the scientific name of the “real” Oyster Mushroom.  Both “plerotoid” appearing species grow on dead snags, with both species primarily favoring hardwoods over conifers.

The Late Oyster is most distinctive due to its even more variable cap color which ranges from various shades of yellow-green to greenish brown to olive, and often with blue violet tones (as the ones pictured here).  The decurrent gills below are pale yellow to pale orange, and the spore color is yellow.

The Late Oyster is so named because it is primarily a winter mushroom appearing late in the mushroom season.  (“True” Oyster Mushrooms, appear primarily in the fall and spring). Very descriptively, the Late Oyster Mushroom’s species epithet: “serotinus” (in Latin) means “late in bearing or ripening”.

The meaning of Panellus is a little less clear.  “Panus” refers to a swelling or tumor, with “ellus” referring to a little or diminutive form.  The name Panellus, is probably best translated then as meaning “little tumor”--perhaps for a swelling that is observed as the mushroom first emerges from the trunk of a tree?

(The discussion here summarizes, but does not provide a fully detailed description of all the characteristics of this mushroom.  Thus, please consult a mushroom book for a more thorough description if you are collecting mushrooms for the table.)