Other names include bear's head, satyr's beard and hedgehog mushroom. The bearded tooth is distinctive and has no poisonous look-alikes. There are several closely related species which are more open and branched, but all are good edibles. Those hardy souls who take long winter walks are sometimes treated to the sight of a snow-capped mass of fresh oyster mushrooms growing on a tree or log. It has white gills running down a very short, off-center stem.
Spores are white to lilac, and the flesh is very soft.
Oyster mushrooms usually are found in large clusters of overlapping caps and always on wood. On trees and fallen logs. Watch out for the small black beetles which sometimes infest this mushroom. Dip in beaten egg, roll in cracker crumbs and fry. All rights reserved.