Growing the Lung/Phoenix Oyster Mushroom

This hearty oyster mushroom is often confused with another species of oyster, Pleurotus ostreatus. However, Pleurotus pulmonaris (also known as the Lung Oyster, Phoenix Mushroom, Indian Oyster, or Italian Oyster, respectively) has a few characteristics of its own that a keen eye and spore print can easily distinguish.

The Lung Oyster can be found growing prolifically in several subtropical forests and temperate regions of the globe, however, it does not appear on the Pacific Northwest coast of the U.S. ++

This saprotrophic fungi is a primary woodland decomposer and is readily found on hardwood deciduous trees.

Found widely across the U.S., the Lung Oyster pops up in shelf-like clusters among dead and living hardwoods, causing a “white rot”. + These mushrooms tend to arrive late into Spring, as the weather turns much warmer with the call of Summer. With a warm and welcoming fruiting environment, these clusters can be found well into September.

The fruiting body of this particular oyster mushroom tends to grow much like its cousins, with a lung-shaped or oyster-like fanned cap and coloration that ranges from a whitish-grayish-brown. These smaller caps and a presence of a much more pronounced stem structure are two areas to be aware of when trying to separate this species from Pleurotus ostreatus.

The Lung Oyster’s gills range in coloration from cream to white and will continue down the stalk before halting at the stipe.For a more accurate identification, look for a spore print that shows as either white or a lilac-gray (best noticed when taken on a dark background.) ++