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Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushrooms)
Oyster mushrooms are popular edible fungi valued for their mild, savory flavor and delicate texture. Ecologically, they play an important role as decomposers, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems. They are often used in soups, stir-fries, and as a meat substitute due to their substantial texture.
These mushrooms have a fan-shaped cap that can range from white to gray to brown. The gills are decurrent, meaning they run down the stem, which is often short or absent. They thrive in cool, damp forests and are often found on dead or dying trees, especially deciduous hardwoods. They are most abundant in Washington during fall and winter, though they may also appear in spring, particularly after rainy periods.
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