Armillaria mellea | Honey Mushroom

General Mycological Information

• Scientific Name: Armillaria mellea

• Common Names: Honey mushroom, golden honey fungus

• Habitat: Parasitic on living and dead trees, often forming clusters at the base of the trunk.

• Native Region: Found worldwide.

• Growing Season: Late summer and autumn.

Recognizing Armillaria mellea

• Cap: 3-15 cm in diameter, convex to flat, honey-brown to yellow, often with a darker center.

• Gills: Attached to the stem, white or cream-colored, and crowded.

• Stem: 5-15 cm tall, cylindrical, often ringed, and usually darker at the base.

• Spore Print: White.

Edibility and Toxicity

• Edible: Armillaria mellea is edible when young and firm, but it can be tough and bitter when old. It is best cooked thoroughly to remove any toxins.

• Caution: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Armillaria mellea, so it is advisable to consume it in moderation.

Interesting Facts

• World's Largest Organism: Armillaria ostoyae, a species closely related to Armillaria mellea, is believed to be the world's largest organism, covering an area of over 2,400 acres in Oregon, USA.

• Bioluminescence: Some strains of Armillaria mellea are bioluminescent, emitting a faint glow in the dark.

• Economic Impact: Armillaria mellea is a significant pathogen of trees and can cause extensive damage to forests and orchards.

Sources for Further Reading

• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armillaria_mellea

• MushroomExpert: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/armillaria_mellea.html