North American Forests invaded by a Golden Fungus

A yellow-colored oyster mushroom, originating from Asia, has been seen all around North America for the past years.

This fungus, although native to Asian countries, is almost certainly introduced into the United States by humans. It is edible and simple to grow, but it overtakes the necessities of native mushrooms. They occupy all of the space and nutrients that other mushrooms may need.

These mushrooms were first spotted decades ago, but they have only recently, within the past 5 years, begun reproducing at a rapid rate. From stores to backyards to compost bins, the fungus can reproduce in numerous places, increasing its population over the past several years.

A study was done on this particular species. They “examined 78 samples of wood drilled from 26 dead elm trees — which make a hospitable environment for the golden oyster — in Wisconsin in the summer of 2022. Of those trees, 15 had become hosts for the fungi.” This golden fungus has grown on almost 15% of the trees. It was also observed that the trees hosting these golden fungi contained only half of the other fungal species found in the other trees. By eliminating diversity among these different fungal life forms, the one species alone is invading the other fungi species growing in these trees.

More studies have shown that this fungus slowly starts to shorten these trees’ lifespan. Animals and plants that build their homes around these trees, unfortunately, will not be able to continue living in their vicinity.

As climate change proceeds and worsens, the change in temperature and weather will increase the areas of North America that are more suitable for this fungi to live in. Throughout the years, this fungi will strip resources of other fungi all over the states and rest of North America.

Aside from the overtake in population, this golden fungus can still be tasty and prepared in meals. They are easily noticed and recognized, so one can harvest and cook them with other ingredients and mixtures, resulting in a delicious dish. In addition to eating alone, the fungi can also be eaten with various different foods, such as proteins, like chicken or beef, or vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or tomatoes. Even though this fungi species may be taking over the fungi population, they are still an appetizing treat.