Discover Iowa's Mushroom Bounty Beyond Morels

From golden oysters to chicken of the woods, the Hawkeye State offers a variety of edible fungi to forage this spring.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic golden oyster mushroom repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the diversity of edible mushrooms found in Iowa beyond the prized morel.Beyond the elusive morel, Iowa's forests offer a bounty of other delectable wild mushrooms ripe for the picking.Cedar Rapids Today

While morel mushrooms may be the most sought-after fungi in Iowa, the state's forests are home to a variety of other delectable wild mushrooms worth discovering. This guide highlights some of the lesser-known but equally delicious options, including golden oyster, giant puffball, and chicken of the woods mushrooms, providing tips on identification, preparation, and safe foraging practices.

Why it matters

Morel hunting is a beloved springtime tradition in Iowa, but focusing solely on this one prized mushroom can cause foragers to overlook the state's diverse mushroom bounty. Expanding one's mushroom knowledge and foraging horizons can lead to new culinary discoveries, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable practices by harvesting invasive species.

The details

Beyond the iconic morel, Iowa's forests are home to a variety of other edible wild mushrooms. The golden oyster mushroom, with its bright yellow clusters and slightly nutty flavor, is a personal favorite of the author and can be found growing on dead or dying wood. The giant puffball, with its large, dimpled appearance, offers a firm, white interior that can be sliced and grilled like a 'mushroom steak.' Another standout is the chicken of the woods, an orange and yellow fungus that grows on trees and has a texture and flavor reminiscent of chicken. However, the author cautions that proper identification is crucial, as some lookalike mushrooms can be toxic, and advises always consulting a field guide or expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.

  • Morel season is officially underway in Iowa.
  • Spring is the prime time to forage for a variety of wild mushrooms in the state.

The players

Tom Drake

The author of the article and an experienced mushroom forager in Iowa.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Morel season is officially here in Iowa, and if you're like me, you've already started scanning the ground on your hikes and adventures like some kind of 'woodland detective.' Sure, it might start as a hike, but we both know, deep down... you're hunting.”

— Tom Drake, Author

“Now's the time to expand your mushroom horizons, my friends. Let's start with a personal favorite of mine: the golden oyster mushroom. These bright yellow beauties grow in clusters on dead or dying wood, and unlike morels, they don't seem nearly as interested in playing hard to get.”

— Tom Drake, Author

What’s next

Readers interested in foraging for wild mushrooms in Iowa should consult local mushroom identification groups, field guides, or experts to ensure they can safely identify edible species before consumption.

The takeaway

While morel mushrooms may be the star attraction, Iowa's forests offer a diverse array of other delectable wild mushrooms worth exploring. By expanding one's mushroom knowledge and foraging horizons, adventurous eaters can discover new culinary delights and support sustainable practices.