Mushroom Foraging Seasonal Calendar: When to Hunt What (2025)

Introduction to Seasonal Foraging

Unlike cultivated vegetables that appear in grocery stores year-round, wild mushrooms follow precise seasonal patterns dictated by temperature, rainfall, and daylight cycles. Understanding these patterns transforms you from a casual wanderer into a strategic forager who knows exactly when and where to hunt for specific species.

According to research from the USDA Forest Service and North American Mycological Association, mushroom fruiting is triggered by specific environmental conditions. Most edible mushrooms fruit during predictable windows each year, though exact timing varies by region and weather patterns.

Key factors affecting mushroom seasons:

• Temperature: Most mushrooms have temperature ranges that trigger fruiting (typically 50-75°F for common edibles)
• Rainfall: Adequate moisture is essential—mushrooms typically fruit 7-10 days after significant rain
• Daylight length: Photoperiod signals seasonal changes to fungal networks
• Host tree phenology: Many mycorrhizal mushrooms sync with their host trees' growth cycles
• Altitude and latitude: Higher elevations and northern latitudes fruit later than lowlands and southern regions

This guide provides general timing for five major North American regions. Remember that local microclimates, elevation changes, and yearly weather variations can shift timing by several weeks.

Month-by-Month Mushroom Calendar

This calendar shows peak fruiting times for popular edible mushrooms across temperate North America. Times vary by region—see the regional variations section for specifics.

Spring Mushrooms (March-May)

Spring is one of the most exciting times for foragers, dominated by the legendary morel. As temperatures warm and spring rains arrive, the forest floor comes alive with some of the most prized edible mushrooms.

Morels (Morchella spp.) - Peak: April to early May

The ultimate spring prize. Morels are the most sought-after North American mushroom, commanding prices of $20-50+ per pound at markets. Their distinctive honeycomb appearance and rich, earthy flavor make them unmistakable.

Timing by region:

• Southeast (TN, NC, AR): Late March through April
• Midwest (IL, IN, OH, MO): Mid-April through early May
• Northeast (PA, NY, MI): Late April through mid-May
• Upper Midwest (MN, WI): Early to mid-May
• Pacific Northwest: Late April through May, later at elevation

Temperature trigger: Morels fruit when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F consistently. Many foragers track soil temperature and lilac blooming as indicators—when lilacs bloom, morels are near.

Where to look: Dying elm and ash trees, old apple orchards, burn sites (fire morels can be prolific the year after forest fires), disturbed ground, south-facing slopes that warm first.

Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) - Year-round, peak spring and fall

One of the easiest mushrooms to identify, oysters grow on dead hardwood in shelf-like clusters. Spring brings fresh flushes as temperatures warm.

Timing: Available year-round except during hard freezes, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are peak seasons.

Where to look: Dead or dying hardwoods, especially beech, oak, maple, and cottonwood. Look on standing dead trees, fallen logs, and stumps.

Dryad's Saddle / Pheasant Back (Cerioporus squamosus) - Peak: April-May

Large, distinctive mushrooms with scaly brown caps resembling pheasant feathers. They grow on dead hardwoods and are best when young and tender.

Timing: April through June, peaking in May across most regions.

Harvesting tip: Only harvest when young (caps 4-6 inches). Older specimens become tough and watermelon-scented but are unsuitable for eating. Check your spots every 3-4 days during peak season to catch them at prime stage.

Summer Mushrooms (June-August)

Summer is when mushroom diversity explodes. Warm temperatures combined with regular rainfall create ideal fruiting conditions for many choice edibles. July and August are particularly productive in most regions.

Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.) - Peak: June-August

Golden treasures of the summer forest, chanterelles are among the most prized edible mushrooms. Their fruity apricot aroma, vase-like shape, and false gills (ridges) make them distinctive.

Timing by region:

• Southeast: May through September (with summer rains)
• Midwest and Northeast: Late June through August
• Pacific Northwest: September through November (fall fruiting)
• West Coast (California): November through February (winter fruiting)

Weather dependency: Chanterelles need consistent rainfall. They fruit 7-14 days after significant rain. Dry summers mean few chanterelles; wet summers bring abundant flushes that can last weeks.

Where to look: Mature hardwood and mixed forests, often under oak, beech, and birch. They form mycorrhizal relationships with trees, so return to productive patches yearly. Moss-covered areas and forest edges are productive.

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) - Peak: June-September

Impossible to mistake with its bright orange and yellow shelves, chicken of the woods is a summer staple. It tastes remarkably like chicken when cooked properly.

Timing: May through October, with peak fruiting in July-August across most regions.

Multiple flushes: Individual trees may produce multiple flushes throughout summer and fall. Mark productive trees and check them every 2-3 weeks during the season.

Best harvest stage: Young and soft with bright colors. Older specimens become chalky and bitter. The outer edges are always most tender.

King Bolete / Porcini (Boletus edulis) - Peak: July-September

The prized porcini of European cuisine, king boletes are meaty, delicious, and relatively easy to identify. Their thick white stem and brown cap are distinctive.

Timing by region:

• Pacific Northwest: September through November
• Rocky Mountains: July through September at high elevations
• Northeast: Late summer through fall
• Midwest: Rare, but occasionally in northern areas

Where to look: King boletes form mycorrhizal associations with conifers (especially spruce and pine) and some hardwoods. They prefer well-drained soil and often fruit near trails and forest edges.

Black Trumpet (Craterellus cornucopioides) - Peak: July-September

One of the most delicious mushrooms that's surprisingly easy to overlook. Black trumpets blend into leaf litter but have incredible flavor.

Timing: July through October in the East and Midwest; November through February in California.

Finding tips: They're hard to spot—train your eyes to see their dark funnel shapes in leaf litter. Once you find one, dozens are usually nearby. They often grow in the same spots as chanterelles.

Fall Mushrooms (September-November)

Fall is peak mushroom season across most of North America. Cool nights, warm days, and autumn rains create perfect conditions for an enormous variety of species. October is often the single best month for mushroom diversity.

Hen of the Woods / Maitake (Grifola frondosa) - Peak: September-October

One of the most prized fall mushrooms, hen of the woods grows in large clusters at the base of oak trees. A single specimen can weigh 5-40+ pounds.

Timing: Late August through November, with peak in September-October.

Tree association: Almost always at the base of oak trees (occasionally other hardwoods). They fruit from the same trees year after year, often in early fall when temperatures drop into the 50s-60s.

Foraging strategy: Scout for productive oak trees in late summer. Once you find a hen-producing tree, mark it—the mushroom will likely return annually. Check your marked trees in early September.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) - Peak: August-October

Distinctive white cascading spines make lion's mane unmistakable. Its mild seafood flavor and cognitive health benefits have made it increasingly popular.

Timing: Late summer through fall, typically August through October.

Where to look: Wounds and dead spots on living hardwoods (especially oak and beech), and on dead standing hardwoods. They often grow 10-30 feet up tree trunks.

Giant Puffballs (Calvatia gigantea) - Peak: August-October

These can reach volleyball or even basketball size. When fresh with pure white interiors, they're excellent eating.

Timing: Late summer through fall in most regions, with peak in September.

Where to look: Fields, meadows, lawn edges, and open woods. They prefer open areas with rich soil.

Critical safety note: ALWAYS cut puffballs in half. If you see any developing structures inside (gills, cap, stem), it's a deadly Amanita egg. True puffballs have uniform white interior like marshmallow.

Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria spp.) - Peak: September-October

Honey mushrooms grow in large clusters on wood and are incredibly abundant when they fruit. They require proper cooking but are a fall staple for many foragers.

Timing: Late August through November, peaking in September-October.

Important preparation: Honey mushrooms MUST be cooked thoroughly. They can cause digestive upset if raw or undercooked. Boil for 10 minutes before sautéing.

Winter Mushrooms (December-February)

While winter is the slowest season for mushroom foraging in most regions, several hardy species fruit during cold months. These winter species are particularly valuable in mild-winter regions.

Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) - Available all winter

Oysters are the most reliable winter mushroom across most regions. They can fruit even during mild stretches between freezes.

Winter timing: Available whenever temperatures are above freezing, particularly after winter rains. In the Southeast and West Coast, they fruit prolifically all winter.

Winter advantage: Less competition from insects and other foragers. Winter oysters are often pristine specimens.

Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) - Peak: November-March

Ear-shaped jelly fungi that grow on dead elderberry and other hardwoods. Popular in Asian cuisine, they have a crunchy texture.

Timing: Fall through spring, particularly productive in winter in mild regions.

Where to look: Dead elderberry branches are the most productive substrate. Also found on other hardwoods.

Velvet Foot / Winter Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) - Peak: December-February

One of the few mushrooms that fruits during freezing temperatures. The wild version of cultivated enoki mushrooms.

Timing: Late fall through winter, can fruit even during mild winter spells between hard freezes.

Key identification: Grows in clusters on hardwood. Orange-brown caps, very dark brown velvety stem. The velvety stem is critical for ID—smooth stems indicate other species.

Regional Variations

North America spans diverse climates and ecosystems. Here's how mushroom seasons vary across major regions:

Northeast (NY, PA, NJ, New England)

Spring (April-May): Morels peak late April through May. Dryad's saddle in May.

Summer (June-August): Chanterelles July-August. Chicken of the woods, boletes, black trumpets all summer.

Fall (September-November): Peak season. Hen of the woods in September. Lion's mane, honey mushrooms, late oysters through October. Season ends with hard freezes in November.

Winter (December-February): Very limited. Occasional oysters during thaws.

Southeast (NC, TN, AR, GA, AL)

Spring (March-May): Earliest morel season, beginning in late March in southern areas. Oysters abundant all spring.

Summer (May-September): Chanterelles from May through August with adequate rain. Summer heat can slow fruiting—best after rain. Chicken of the woods all summer.

Fall (September-November): Second peak season. Hen of the woods, lion's mane, and tremendous oyster production.

Winter (December-February): Good winter foraging for oysters, wood ear, occasional hen returns. Mild winters allow year-round activity.

Midwest (IL, IN, OH, MI, WI, MN)

Spring (April-May): THE morel region. Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio are legendary morel territory. Peak mid-April to mid-May.

Summer (June-August): Chanterelles in northern areas, chicken of the woods everywhere. Boletes in northern areas with conifers.

Fall (September-October): Excellent fall season with hen of the woods, honey mushrooms, puffballs, and oysters. Shorter than coastal areas—hard freezes arrive October-November.

Winter (November-March): Very limited. Occasional oysters during winter thaws in southern Midwest.

West Coast (Northern California, Oregon Coast)

Spring (March-May): Some morels in inland areas. Not the major morel region.

Summer (June-August): Generally dry—poor mushroom season. Some boletes at higher elevations.

Fall (September-November): Season starts with fall rains. Chanterelles begin in October, peak November-December.

Winter (December-February): PEAK SEASON. Winter rains bring prolific chanterelles, black trumpets, hedgehogs, oysters. The opposite pattern from eastern regions. Matsutake in pine forests.

Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon Interior, British Columbia)

Spring (April-June): Morels in May-June, especially at elevation and in burn areas.

Summer (June-August): Boletes at high elevation. Chanterelles begin in late summer.

Fall (September-November): PEAK SEASON. Massive chanterelle, matsutake, lobster mushroom, and boletes production. October is prime. Commercial harvesting peaks.

Winter (December-February): Continued good foraging. Winter chanterelles, oysters. Coastal areas fruit all winter.

Weather Triggers and Patterns

Understanding weather patterns is the key to successful foraging. Experienced foragers often out-produce beginners simply by timing trips based on weather, not calendar dates.

The 7-10 Day Rule

Most mushrooms fruit 7-10 days after significant rainfall (1+ inches). This is the single most important timing principle in foraging.

How to use it:

1. Track rainfall in your area using weather apps or rain gauges
2. After a dry period followed by substantial rain, mark your calendar
3. Plan foraging trips 7-10 days later
4. The timing can be shorter in warm weather (5-7 days) or longer in cool weather (10-14 days)

Temperature Windows

Different mushrooms fruit in specific temperature ranges. These "windows" explain why spring and fall are so productive—temperatures are ideal for many species.

Optimal Fruiting Conditions

The absolute best mushroom fruiting occurs when these conditions align:

• 2-4 weeks of rain (not torrential, but consistent moisture)
• Temperatures in the 60-75°F range (varies by species)
• High humidity (above 70%)
• Followed by warm, sunny days that trigger fruiting

This pattern explains why fall is so productive: warm summer soils + fall rains + cooling temperatures = mushroom bonanza.

Drought and Mushroom Seasons

Dry summers severely reduce mushroom production. Some years, chanterelles barely fruit if summer rainfall is below average. Fall species may still fruit well if fall rains arrive, as they rely more on fall moisture than summer conditions.

Adaptation strategy: In dry years, focus on:

• Mushrooms growing directly on wood (less moisture-dependent)
• North-facing slopes and valleys that retain moisture
• Areas near streams and water sources
• Higher elevations where rain may be more frequent

Altitude and Latitude Effects

Mushroom seasons shift predictably with altitude and latitude:

Altitude: For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, spring species fruit approximately 1 week later and fall species fruit 1 week earlier. Mountain foragers can extend seasons by starting low and moving uphill.

Latitude: Spring moves north at roughly 30-50 miles per week. A morel season starting in Tennessee in late March won't reach Minnesota until early May—a 4-6 week difference.

Strategic foraging: Chase the season by traveling north in spring or uphill throughout the season. Some dedicated morel hunters travel hundreds of miles following the wave.

Planning Your Foraging Year

Successful foragers plan their year around mushroom seasons, scouting in advance and returning to productive spots at peak times.

Year-Round Foraging Strategy

Winter (January-February):

• Study field guides and identification resources
• Join local mycological societies
• Scout for dead elms and ash (future morel spots)
• In mild regions, hunt winter oysters and velvet foot

Early Spring (March-April):

• Monitor soil temperatures for morel timing
• Check burn sites, dying elms, and old orchards
• Hunt oysters on dead hardwoods
• Watch for early dryad's saddle

Late Spring (May-June):

• Final morel pushes in northern areas
• Dryad's saddle peaks (check every few days)
• Scout for chicken of the woods spots
• Begin watching for early chanterelles

Summer (July-August):

• Prime chanterelle season in most regions
• Hunt chicken of the woods on marked trees
• Explore for boletes in conifer areas
• Track rainfall—if drought, lower expectations

Early Fall (September):

• THE peak month for many foragers
• Check oak trees for hen of the woods
• Hunt lion's mane on hardwoods
• Look for puffballs in fields and meadows
• Oysters return with cooler temperatures

Mid-Fall (October):

• Peak diversity month—greatest variety of species
• Hen of the woods still productive
• Honey mushrooms flush in large quantities
• Late chanterelles in some regions
• Final puffballs before frost

Late Fall (November):

• Season winds down in most regions
• Oysters excellent as temperatures drop
• Late honey mushrooms
• West Coast chanterelles just beginning

Building Your Personal Calendar

This guide provides general timing, but your local calendar will be unique. Build a personalized calendar by:

1. Recording every find: Note species, date, location, weather conditions, and associated trees
2. Tracking weather: Correlate fruiting with rainfall and temperature patterns
3. GPS-tagging productive spots: Return to proven locations annually
4. Noting phenology: Correlate mushroom fruiting with plant indicators (lilac blooms = morels, etc.)
5. Reviewing yearly: At season's end, review notes and plan next year

Maximizing Your Harvest

Visit spots repeatedly: During peak season, check productive areas every 3-5 days. Many mushrooms fruit in flushes, with new crops appearing regularly.

Diversify your hunting grounds: Different elevations, aspects (north vs. south facing), and forest types fruit at different times. Maintain a rotation of diverse spots.

Network with other foragers: Join local mushroom clubs. Members share fruiting reports and help identify species. Many clubs organize group forays throughout the season.

Adapt to weather: Dry spell in summer? Focus on wood-growing species and save energy for fall. Wet spring? Hit those morel spots hard—it may be a legendary year.

Common Seasonal Foraging Questions

Can I forage in summer heat?

Yes, but be strategic. Summer is productive for many species, but avoid midday heat. Forage in early morning (best light for spotting mushrooms anyway) or evening. Hot, dry periods reduce fruiting—wait for rain and cooler days.

Is fall really better than spring?

For most regions, yes. Fall offers greater species diversity and often higher volumes. However, spring has morels—the most prized mushroom for many foragers. It's subjective based on your preferences.

What if mushrooms don't appear when expected?

Mushroom timing varies 2-4 weeks based on weather. If expected species don't appear:

• Check if rainfall was adequate
• Verify temperatures are in the right range
• Consider that last year may have been unusual, not this year
• Try different elevations or aspects
• Be patient—they may be a week or two late

Should I forage after the first frost?

Yes! Many mushrooms continue fruiting after light frosts. Oysters, velvet foot, and late hen of the woods can appear after first frost. Only hard freezes (sustained below 28°F) truly end the season in most regions.

Final Thoughts

Mushroom foraging is an exercise in patience, observation, and timing. While this calendar provides a framework, your local conditions create the actual schedule. The most successful foragers are those who track conditions, visit spots repeatedly during peak times, and adapt to yearly variations.

Start by focusing on one or two species during their peak season. Master those, then gradually expand your repertoire. Within a few years, you'll have an intuitive sense of what's fruiting when, developed through hundreds of hours in the forest.

Remember that even in "off" years with poor weather, mushrooms fruit somewhere. Stay persistent, track conditions, and you'll be rewarded with nature's seasonal bounty.

Happy foraging, and may you find full baskets in every season!