Some mushrooms glow. Some hiss. One bleeds blue. Mycena chlorophos lights up rotting wood with a soft green glow, the devil’s cigar from Texas and Japan bursts open into a star with an audible puff of spores, and the indigo milk cap leaks indigo-blue milk wherever it’s cut. Then there’s the blue mycena, a tiny mushroom the color of a swimming pool, and lion’s mane, which looks more like a frozen waterfall than something you’d eat.
We picked 25 cool looking mushrooms for this list, from the forest floors of New Zealand to oak stumps across North America, with where to find each one and how to photograph it. A few, like the fly agaric, are as poisonous as they are pretty, so if you find something strange on a walk, check what it is before you pick it up. On longer hikes, the PlantIn mushroom ID app does the same from your phone.
What Is the Most Interesting Mushroom?
When it comes to interesting mushrooms, it can be challenging to choose only one. However, according to popular opinion, Hericium erinaceus is the top contender for the title. Due to its distinctive appearance, it has earned numerous nicknames, but the most common one is Lion’s Mane. Aside from its culinary uses, this fungus is also being studied for its possible health advantages, such as its ability to treat neurological diseases like dementia. Let’s see what experts say:
Lion’s mane may be our first ’smart’ mushroom. It is a safe, edible fungus that appears to confer cognitive benefits on our aging population.
- Paul Stamets
- Renowned Mycologist
In addition to its cognitive benefits, Lion’s Mane is also being explored for its potential to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Its unique compounds make it a fascinating subject for ongoing research in both nutrition and medicine.
What Is the Prettiest Mushroom (Fungus)?
In our quest to find the prettiest mushroom, we’ve browsed numerous nature enthusiasts’ forums. The answer was almost unanimous: it’s Mycena interrupta, also known as the blue mycena. We have to agree on this one; its captivating beauty is undeniable. These cool fungi are relatively small and have a distinguishable bright cyan cap. Here’s how one Reddit user described this mushroom:
The blue mycena mushroom stands out for its spectacular beauty, unique within the fungi kingdom.
- EvaRaw666
Found primarily in Australia and New Zealand, the blue mycena’s vivid color contrasts beautifully against the greenery of the forest floor. Along with adding to the visual and biological variety of its natural environments, this mesmerizing mushroom captivates the attention of everyone lucky enough to lay eyes on it.
Cool Types of Mushrooms and Unique Fungi
You didn’t think we’d name only two interesting mushrooms, did you? Behold our list of the most note-worthy members of the fungi kingdom!
Fly Agaric
Amanita muscaria
Though poisonous, this mushroom is a sight to see due to its vivid red cap adorned with white dots.
Geographic distribution: Northern Hemisphere.
Habitat: Coniferous and deciduous woodlands.
Uniqueness: Amanita muscaria is a hallucinogenic fungus that includes ibotenic acid and muscimol, which make it psychotropic.
Usage: Shamans have historically used it in rituals. These days, researchers are looking at its potential psychoactive effects.
Bioluminescent Mushroom
Mycena chlorophos
The tiny, thin mushrooms, known as Mycena chlorophos, emit a pungent ammonia smell and glow when exposed to darkness.
Geographic distribution: subtropical Asian countries.
Habitat: Decaying wood in moist, dark places.
Uniqueness: Fungi with bioluminescence are pretty unusual and give woodlands an aura of mystery.
Usage: This specimen is actively studied to enhance our understanding of bioluminescent fungi.
Amethyst Deceiver
Laccaria amethystina
Amethyst Deceiver stands out for its vibrant purple color, which fades to lilac as it ages.
Geographic distribution: Temperate regions all over the world.
Habitat: Deciduous and coniferous forests.
Uniqueness: Its striking color and delicate structure make it a favorite among photographers.
Usage: It is edible and is used in some traditional recipes.
Coral Fungus
Clavaria zollingeri
With its delicate, coral-like structure and purple hue, this fungus is both beautiful and intricate.
Geographic distribution: North America, Europe, and Asia.
Habitat: Decaying wood and soil in forests.
Uniqueness: The Red Lists in various countries record this fungus, which resembles underwater corals.
Usage: Most countries only use it for research due to its rarity.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Trametes versicolor
This mushroom displays a variety of colors, resembling a turkey’s tail feathers. It contains polysaccharide peptide and polysaccharide krestin, which may decrease cancer cell development and enhance immunity.
Geographic distribution: North America, Asia, and Europe.
Habitat: Environment with decaying wood and stumps.
Uniqueness: It possesses remarkable medicinal properties, particularly in supporting the immune system.
Usage: Widely used in traditional medicine and dietary supplements.
Blue Mycena
Mycena interrupta
These small, bright blue mushrooms are a rare sight and can create a striking visual contrast against the forest floor.
Geographic distribution: Australia, New Zealand.
Habitat: Decaying wood in humid forests.
Uniqueness: Its most unique feature is its vivid blue cap.
Usage: Mainly of interest to photographers and fungi enthusiasts.
Shaggy Ink Cap
Coprinus comatus
Coprinus comatus’ shaggy, white cap transforms into an inky black liquid as it matures, providing a fascinating visual transition.
Geographic distribution: Worldwide.
Habitat: Lawns, meadows, and roadsides.
Uniqueness: It has a unique life cycle and can become poisonous if consumed with alcohol.
Usage: Currently under study for its medicinal properties, it finds application in cooking.
Devil’s Cigar
Chorioactis geaster
An exotic mushroom, which looks like a dark cigar when closed, opens out into a star form. Along with the opening, you might hear a hissing sound and see a cloud of spores billowing out into the air.
Geographic distribution: Texas, USA, and Japan.
Habitat: Decaying wood of certain tree species.
Uniqueness: This fungus is extremely rare and has a unique lifecycle.
Usage: The fungus’s scarcity makes it attractive mostly to mycologists and other enthusiasts.
Parrot Mushroom
Gliophorus psittacinus
Photographers love this little mushroom for its vivid colors, which resemble those of a parrot.
Geographic distribution: Europe, North America.
Habitat: Grasslands and forests.
Uniqueness: Distinctive features include small size and vivid hues.
Usage: It has no distinguished uses, but it adds color and interest to natural landscapes.
Scarlet Elf Cup
Sarcoscypha coccinea
A small, bright red cup-shaped mushroom, the Scarlet Elf Cup, stands out against the forest floor.
Geographic distribution: North America, Europe.
Habitat: Decaying wood in forests.
Uniqueness: It has a vibrant color and a distinctive cup shape.
Usage: It supports the ecosystem and is often used in nature photography.
Caesar’s Mushroom
Amanita caesarea
Amanita caesarea is distinguished by its vibrant orange cap and yellow stem. The Roman emperors highly valued it.
Geographic distribution: Southern Europe, North Africa.
Habitat: Deciduous forests.
Uniqueness: Both visually stunning and historically significant.
Usage: It may be consumed and is considered a delectable gourmet delicacy.
Violet Webcap
Cortinarius violaceus
Among fungi, Violet Webcap is easily recognizable by its deep violet color. Despite its edible classification, avoid eating it.
Geographic distribution: Europe, North America, and Asia.
Habitat: Coniferous and deciduous forests.
Uniqueness: Its unusual color and sticky cap.
Usage: Studied for its chemical compounds.
Yellow Morel
Morchella esculenta
As a result of its earthy taste and honeycomb-like appearance, it is a favorite among foragers.
Geographic distribution: Temperate regions worldwide.
Habitat: Forest floors, especially around ash, elm, and apple trees.
Uniqueness: People highly regard both its culinary and pharmacological uses.
Usage: Because of its unique taste, it is used as a seasoning or main ingredient in many soups and sauces.
Hen of the Woods
Grifola frondosa
Grifola frondosa forms dense clusters and resembles a hen with its plumed feathers.
Geographic distribution: North America, Europe, and Asia.
Habitat: At the base of oak trees.
Uniqueness: Several studies have indicated that extracts from this edible, nutritious mushroom—which has a pleasant and distinctive flavor—protect against diabetes.
Usage: In addition to being edible, it is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Black Trumpet
Craterellus cornucopioides
The trumpet-shaped, dark-colored fungus is much sought after for its culinary qualities.
Geographic distribution: North America, Europe.
Habitat: Deciduous forests.
Uniqueness: Culinary experts prize them for their unique flavor, comparing them to a combination of truffles and morel mushrooms.
Usage: It is used in gourmet dishes and can serve as an alternative to truffle.
Indigo Milk Cap
Lactarius indigo
This mushroom is notable for its striking blue color and the indigo milk it exudes when cut.
Geographic distribution: North and Central America, East Asia.
Habitat: Deciduous and coniferous forests.
Uniqueness: It is a culinary delight, astounding in both appearance and taste.
Usage: You can use it in cooking to give dishes a unique color.
Golden Chanterelle
Craterellus cornucopioides
It is a widespread edible fungus known for its vivid yellow color and fragrant fruitiness.
Geographic distribution: Temperate regions worldwide.
Habitat: Deciduous and coniferous forests.
Uniqueness: Particularly noteworthy are its attractive appearance and distinctive taste.
Usage: Highly valued in culinary circles.
Lion’s Mane
Hericium erinaceus
It is known for its long, cascading spines, which resemble a white beard.
Geographic distribution: North America, Europe, and Asia.
Habitat: Decaying hardwoods.
Uniqueness: Lion’s Mane tastes best when it’s young and fresh because it becomes bitter and sour with age.
Usage: Used in traditional medicine and culinary dishes.
Green-Spored Parasol
Chlorophyllum molybdites
This large, imposing mushroom is known for its green spores and toxic nature.
Geographic distribution: North America, South America, and Australia.
Habitat: Lawns, meadows, and gardens.
Uniqueness: It closely resembles the widely eaten fungus Agericus campestrus, but unfortunately, it is toxic.
Usage: Researched for the toxicity of its compounds.
Earthstar
Geastrum saccatum
This fungus has a star-shaped fruiting body that opens to release spores.
Geographic distribution: Temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Habitat: Forest floors and decaying wood.
Uniqueness: The star shape is Earthstar’s key feature.
Usage: Research on its possible medicinal uses is ongoing.
Red-Capped Scaber Stalk
Leccinum aurantiacum
It is a popular edible mushroom, distinguished by its red cap and scaly stalk.
Geographic distribution: Europe, North America, and Asia.
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests.
Uniqueness: A huge fruiting body with a red cap is its defining feature.
Usage: While it is safe to eat, eating it undercooked might lead to indigestion.
Jack-o’-Lantern Mushroom
Omphalotus olearius
This mushroom glows in the dark, making it a fascinating find for nighttime explorers.
Geographic distribution: North America and Europe.
Habitat: Decaying wood and tree stumps.
Uniqueness: Because of its bioluminescence and appearance, most foragers can tell it apart.
Usage: Despite its toxicity, researchers are studying it for its glowing and medicinal properties.
Elfin Saddle
Helvella lacunosa
It is known for its saddle-shaped cap and wrinkled appearance.
Geographic distribution: Europe, North America, and Asia.
Habitat: Coniferous and deciduous forests.
Uniqueness: Its distinctive texture and form set it apart from other fungi.
Usage: You can use it for cooking, but you must cook it thoroughly.
Violet Crown Cup
Sarcosphaera coronaria
Sarcosphaera coronaria is famous for its brilliant violet color and crown-like form.
Geographic distribution: Europe, North America.
Habitat: Forest floors and decaying wood.
Uniqueness: It is currently being investigated for potential pharmaceutical uses and is not meant for human consumption.
Usage: This fungus adds a splash of color to the forest floor.
Dead Man’s Fingers
Xylaria polymorpha
These fungi resemble decaying fingers protruding from the ground, adding a macabre touch to forests.
Geographic distribution: North America, Europe.
Habitat: Decaying wood and tree stumps.
Uniqueness: Its unsettling appearance makes it simple to recognize.
Usage: It serves a crucial ecological purpose and is also used in traditional medicine.
What Are the Coolest-Looking Mushrooms for Photography?
With so many unique mushrooms that grow worldwide, you may be tempted to take your camera and go on a photography adventure. Because of their one-of-a-kind and eye-catching looks, the following cool looking mushrooms provide excellent subjects for photographers:
- Purple Pinwheel.
- Amethyst Deceiver.
- Blue Mycena.
- Coprinopsis Pulchricaerulea.
- Parrot Mushroom.
How to Take a Mushroom Photo?
Not sure how to snap an unforgettable shot of the world’s coolest mushrooms? We’re here to guide you through the process:
- Choose the specimen you want to capture.
- Natural light works best (early morning or late afternoon).
- To capture the intricate details, opt for a macro lens.
- Make sure your camera is steady; a tripod could help with this.
- Capture the most unique mushroom from different angles to highlight its unique features.
An additional tip is to find inspiration online. For example, Steve Axford has some of the most breathtaking fungi photos we’ve ever seen!
FAQ
What is the coolest mushroom in the world?
There’s no single winner, but the coolest mushrooms usually do something unexpected. Mycena chlorophos glows green in the dark, the devil’s cigar hisses as it bursts open into a star, the indigo milk cap oozes blue liquid when cut, and lion’s mane grows in white, icicle-like spines.
What is the prettiest mushroom?
The blue mycena (Mycena interrupta) is often called the prettiest mushroom. Its tiny, bright cyan caps grow on rotting wood in the humid forests of Australia and New Zealand and stand out sharply against moss and bark.
What are the rarest mushrooms in the world?
The devil’s cigar is one of the rarest mushrooms, found naturally only in parts of Texas and Japan. Violet coral fungus is listed as threatened in several countries, and caterpillar fungus, or yartsa gunbu, is so overharvested that it’s among the most expensive fungi in the world.
What is the rarest edible mushroom?
The white truffle (Tuber magnatum) is the rarest and most expensive edible mushroom. It grows underground mainly in parts of Italy and the Balkans, can’t be farmed, and has to be found by trained dogs, which keeps prices high every season.
Do any mushrooms glow in the dark?
Yes, dozens of mushroom species glow in the dark through bioluminescence. Mycena chlorophos gives off a soft green light on rotting wood in subtropical Asia, and the jack-o’-lantern mushroom’s gills glow faintly at night. The glow is easiest to see on moonless nights, after your eyes adjust.
Are blue mushrooms real?
Yes, blue mushrooms are real. The blue mycena and the sky-blue Entoloma hochstetteri from New Zealand have bright blue caps, and the indigo milk cap in North America is blue inside and out. Their color comes from natural pigments, not from any coating.
Is it safe to touch cool-looking mushrooms?
Touching most mushrooms is safe, but wash your hands afterward and never eat a wild mushroom based on its looks. Some of the most eye-catching species, like the fly agaric and the jack-o’-lantern, are poisonous, and bright colors don’t tell you whether a mushroom is safe.
What are the weirdest mushroom abilities?
Some mushrooms do strange things to survive. The zombie-ant fungus takes over an ant’s body and steers it to a spot where the fungus can release spores, and shaggy ink caps digest themselves into black ink within hours. If ink caps pop up on your lawn, here’s why mushrooms grow in your yard.
Can you grow cool mushrooms at home?
Yes, a few cool mushrooms are easy to grow at home. Lion’s mane grows well from indoor kits or on hardwood logs, and turkey tail can be grown outdoors by plugging spawn into fresh-cut hardwood logs. Most rare species, like the blue mycena, can’t be cultivated.
