Plant Profile: Omphalotus olearius

This mushroom stands out because of its vibrant color, substantial size, and tendency to grow in groups near trees or stumps. Typically, it thrives in forested or natural environments, and can occasionally be spotted in landscaped areas. You’ll often find clusters of 15 to 20 mushrooms at the base of a living oak, emerging from stumps or buried wood (roots), and sometimes on other types of deciduous trees. Notably, it exhibits bioluminescence. The species native to North America is known as O. illudens.

Quick Identification: