A Field Guide to Mushrooms of the Carolinas

by Alan E. Bessette, Arleen R. Bessette, Michael W. Hopping

2025 · UNC Press Books

Identifying mushrooms in the wild can present an enticing challenge. Taking on unbelievable forms, some are delicious, others are deadly, but the edibility status of the majority remains unknown. In this revised and expanded edition of the classic, best-selling A Field Guide to Mushrooms of the Carolinas, readers will find over 1,000 mushroom species described in clear, simple terms, with color photographs showcasing their unique combinations of features. What’s included: ·Information on mushroom edibility and toxicity ·Basic information on spore characteristics ·Updated nomenclature and taxonomy based on the latest genetic analyses ·An overview of the Carolinas' role in the history of American mycology ·Over 1,000 color photographs of Carolina mushrooms The unusually large number of described species makes this book a must-have for experienced mushroom hunters as well as those newly interested in mycology. Here, at last, is the definitive field guide for mushrooms in North and South Carolina, from the mountains to the coast, presented in a single portable volume.

Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States

by Alan E. Bessette, Arleen R. Bessette, David P. Lewis

2019 · University of Texas Press

The weather patterns and topography of America's Gulf Coast create favorable growing conditions for thousands of species of mushrooms, but the complete region has generally gone uncharted when it comes to mycology. Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States at last delivers an in-depth, high-quality, user-friendly field guide, featuring more than 1,000 common and lesser-known species—some of which are being illustrated in color for the first time. Using easily identifiable characteristics and a color key, the authors enable anyone, whether amateur mushroom hunter or professional mycologist, to discern and learn about the numerous species of mushrooms encountered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Wild-food enthusiasts will appreciate the information on edibility or toxicity that accompanies each description, and they will also find the book’s detailed instructions for collecting, cleaning, testing, preserving, and cooking wild mushrooms to be of great interest. Providing encyclopedic knowledge in a handy format that fits in a backpack, Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States is a must-have for any mushroom lover.

Mushrooms of the Southeastern United States

by Alan E. Bessette, William C. Roody, Arleen R. Bessette, Dail L. Dunaway

2007 · Syracuse University Press

This book is a comprehensive field guide to the mushrooms of the southeastern United States. Although it will stand on its own, it is intended to compliment and serve as a companion to Mushrooms of Northeastern North America, also published by Syracuse University Press. Together these volumes form a foundation and reference for identifying mushrooms found in eastern North America from Canada to the subtropics of Florida and Texas. This book features more than 450 species that are fully described and illustrated with photographs, many for the first time in color. The photographs were selected for high-quality color fidelity and documentary merit, and reflect some of the aesthetic appeal of our subject. The number of species described and illustrated in color is substantially more than has previously appeared in any other single work devoted to the mushrooms of the southeastern United States. Cross referencing to additional species occuring in the region that are illustrated in Mushrooms of Northeastern North America is provided. Although this book contains the necessary detail required by advanced students and professional mycologists, it emphasizes identification based primarily on macroscopic field characters for easier use by a general audience. Each illustrated species is accompanied by a detailed description of macroscopic and microscopic features based on the concepts of their original authors.