Bright yellow mushrooms that were once grown in backyards are now taking over forests across North America. The golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) is native to Asia and was first introduced to North America in the early 2000s. Ever sinceSince then, their population has exploded, causing scientists across the country have to raised their concerns. According to the Journal of Current Biology, this invasive species is displacing native fungus colonies across the continent.

The golden oyster mushroom’s population has been increasing very rapidly the past five years. These mushrooms are particularly taking over the Great Lakes region in the Midwest. In some areas, the golden oyster mushrooms make up of over 60% of the area’s fungal growth on decaying trees. Although many types of fungi can benefit the environment, such as by balancing ecosystems and promoting soil health, the golden mushroom is primarily known for its talent of is a specific type of fungus that is known for decaying wood.

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, “Instead of aiding the new Midwest Forest ecosystems they have been introduced to, the researchers found that they [these mushrooms] are harming the biodiversity of the local fungi.” To analyze the impact caused by the mushrooms, a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin and the U.S Forest Service collected samples of dead elm trees. After comparing the samples with and without the invasive species, the team of researchers from the university concluded that the fungus biodiversity in the invaded trees made up was only half of the biodiversity in the non-invaded trees. When fungal diversity is reduced, it signals a major disruption in the forest ecosystem. A diverse fungal community can ensure that no single species is able to dominate, and the system stays balanced.

The New York Times stated that climate change could propel the spread of the species even further. Increasing temperatures would likely make the areas more habitable for the fungus. across the continent at a rapid pace, there is a solution for this problem.

The solution to slowing the spread that some people are turning to includes eating more of the mushrooms. .n areas where of these mushrooms are native, these golden oysters are a popular food. “They have a meaty, umami, nutty quality,” states Minnesota chef Alan Bergo, who combines the mushrooms into dishes with thyme, butter and garlic.

Although consuming the species could be a solution to the invasive problem, there is a risk for misidentification. It is easy to confuse the golden oyster mushrooms with toxic look-alikes, which makes limits how widely this solution could be applied. With no natural predators, and the ability to live in many conditions, this species’ spread is only going to accelerate. Raising public awareness about the threat they pose is the most effective strategy for slowing their invasion.