Oyster Mushroom

The inedible/poisonous Tapinella atrotomentosa differs in that it has a thick, sturdy stem (sometimes laterally attached), the stem base is covered in velvety brown fuzz, the gills form a separable layer, and it grows on conifer wood. Tapinella panuoides, of unknown edibility, differs in that the cap is smaller (2-7 cm broad), the gills often become ruffled or wavy near the base, the spore deposit is brownish, and it grows on conifer wood. A number of inedible species of Lentinellus are superficially similar in appearance but differ in that the gills are serrated. Other look-alikes that are inedible or of unknown edibility include various members of Crepidotus and Panellus; they differ in that they are relatively small (under 5 cm broad). The common name "oyster mushroom" also refers to several other edible species of Pleurotus. The edible Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus dryinus differ in that they have a stalk-like stem that is more centrally attached. The edible Pleurotus populinus differs in that it is smaller (under 9 cm broad), has a white spore print, fruits earlier in the year, and grows only on aspens and cottonwoods.