Fall Foraging: Fungi in Season

Autumn is a magical time to explore the forest. As temperatures cool and rains return, the woods seem to come alive with fungi. Some are medicinal, some are delicious, and some are better admired than eaten. Fall foraging is about more than filling a basket—it’s about noticing the seasonal rhythms of the forest.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
A true fall favorite, Lion’s Mane grows on hardwood logs and stumps, with cascading white spines that look almost like icicles. In the kitchen, it’s prized for its seafood-like texture; in wellness circles, it’s valued for supporting memory and focus.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
This hardy polypore paints fallen logs with fan-shaped rosettes in bands of brown, gray, and cream. Turkey Tail is one of the most well-researched medicinal mushrooms, known for its immune-supportive polysaccharides. It’s also one that remains visible well into winter, reminding us of the forest’s resilience.

Honey Mushrooms (Desarmillaria tabescens & others)
If you’ve hiked lately, you’ve likely seen clusters of honey mushrooms covering stumps and spreading across roots. They’re technically edible when cooked thoroughly, but many foragers pass them by. Some people find them tasty, while others report digestive upset, so they’re considered “edible but not choice.” Still, they’re fascinating in their own right—honey mushrooms are among the largest living organisms in the world, with massive underground networks stretching acres.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Also called “Hen of the Woods,” maitake grows in large, ruffled clusters at the base of oaks. It’s both delicious and deeply valued in traditional medicine for supporting immune and metabolic health. Finding one feels like stumbling upon a true forest treasure.

Closing Thoughts
Fall foraging is a lesson in abundance. Some species become favorite ingredients, others inspire tinctures or skincare, and still others remind us that not every mushroom is meant for the table. Whether you’re harvesting or just admiring, the act of noticing connects you more deeply to the season.

Want to bring the wisdom of fall fungi into your daily routine? Explore our mushroom tinctures and Tremella skincare, crafted with care and inspired by the forest.