The warming weather of April and May causes some people to venture outdoors on mushroom seeking missions. Morel hunting is especially popular at this time of year. The short morel season usually lasts about 4-5 weeks.
Questions often arise about the identity and edibility of mushrooms that are found.
Morels, false morels, and other cup fungi is an excellent reference that includes color photos of many of the common mushrooms that are found at this time of year. NCR 129 Mushrooms and other related fungi is another useful reference. As stated in these references, anyone gathering and eating mushrooms should exercise caution. Be absolutely sure of the identity of each specimen collected. Some mushroom species are poisonous.