Mushroom Season in the Cowichan Valley

Pacific Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus)

We went up to Cowichan Lake this past week and after having a somewhat dry summer were surprised that mushroom season appears to be here. It’s amazing what a few days of rain will do!

There were perhaps 8 different varieties including a few that are edible and considered delicacies here and abroad. The Pacific Golden Chanterelles Cantharellus formosus have appeared which is great as they make what must be one of the tastiest soups on this planet. We will be heading to one of our favourite mushroom areas next week in search of the golden chanterelles.

Another interesting mushroom, the Lobster Mushroom Hypomyces lactifourum has just appeared as well. The Lobster Mushroom is a parasitic mold that attacks various species of Russula and Lactarius. While the host mushroom is not generally considered very good tasting the Lobster Mushroom itself is a delicacy available locally and in many Mexican markets as well. A note of caution; apparently no one has ever died from a Lobster Mushroom using a poisonous mushroom as a host but beware that this could happen. Before eating these identify the host!

Photographing mushrooms is something that I really enjoy doing and I expect I’ll be in the dirt with my Sigma 150mm macro lens quite a bit this fall. There is nothing better than coming home with some great food, interesting photographs and dirty knees!

Want to see more? Visit my mushroom and fungi gallery at Mushroom Photographs.

Lobster Mushroom Hypomyces lactifourum

Pacific Golden Chanterelles (Cantharellus formosus)

Red-belted Polypore (Fomitopsis pinicola)