Season clock
Typical first flush Apr 15. Typical last flush Nov 5.
Humid continental to mountain. Hurricane leftovers can explode fruiting.
United States · season open
United States — Northeast & Appalachia
Oldest mushroom clubs in the US. Hens, lions, black trumpets, and a serious Amanita load. Fall is the season.
Adirondacks / Greens
Birch, beech, spruce · 300–1,200 m
Catskills / Hudson
Oak, maple · 200–900 m
Allegheny / Poconos
Oak-hickory · 300–800 m
Southern Apps / Smokies
Cove hardwoods · 400–1,500 m
Permits
State-by-state. Many NE parks ban collecting. Private woodlots are the real ground — knock on doors.
Selling
Several states list wild mushrooms as a restricted farmers-market item. Use a mycological ID sign-off if required.
Species on this ground
True Morel
Apr 15 → May 25
Morchella spp.
Appalachian south first. Peak: May.
Golden Chanterelle
Jun 20 → Sep 10
Cantharellus formosus / C. cibarius complex
After thunderstorms. Peak: Jul–Aug.
Black Trumpet
Jul 1 → Sep 15
Craterellus cornucopioides / C. fallax
Oak-beech duff. Peak: Aug.
Hen of the Woods / Maitake
Sep 5 → Oct 25
Grifola frondosa
Oak cities. Peak: Sep–Oct.
Lion's Mane
Aug 20 → Nov 5
Hericium erinaceus
Beech and oak scars. Peak: Sep–Oct.