How ‘fun’ trend has led to exotic mushrooms invading Michigan forests

DETROIT – The trend of growing exotic mushrooms at home has led to the invasive presence of golden oyster mushrooms in Michigan’s forests.

According to a report published in The Conversation, these easy-to-grow mushrooms have been released into the wild, forcing out native fungi and causing environmental harm.

Golden oyster mushrooms, native to Asian and Russian hardwood forests, have now been found growing across the Great Lakes region, including Michigan’s southern Lower Peninsula. These bright yellow-capped mushrooms, prized for their nutty flavor, are popular on restaurant menus and in cooking videos.

The mushrooms gained popularity among do-it-yourself enthusiasts after grow kits became widely available in the early 2000s. By 2010, golden oyster mushrooms started appearing in U.S. forests, raising concerns about their invasive presence.

People often introduce new species without realizing their potential invasive qualities. To prevent this, avoid releasing pets or aquarium plants into the wild, opt for native species in gardening and keep exotic plants and fungi indoors.

Sampled fungal communities revealed that in logs colonized by golden oyster mushrooms, only half the expected diversity of native fungal species was present.

Michiganders are urged to report any sightings of golden oyster mushrooms in the wild here.

---> Here’s a look at all of Michigan’s invasive species