Where’s Wildlife · Mushroom Field Guide

Golden Oyster Mushroom

Pleurotus citrinopileatus

Pronounced (approx.): ploo-ROH-tus sit-rin-oh-pil-ee-AY-tus

Also called Yellow Oyster Mushroom, this introduced fungus produces clusters of yellow caps.

Golden Oyster Mushroom. Select the photo to browse field photographs and the original cutout. Photographs © Where’s Wildlife.

NON-NATIVE

At a Glance

Family
Pleurotaceae
Size
Cluster size varies
Habitat
Dead hardwood, including logs and standing dead trees
Ecological role
Decomposes dead wood
Spore surface
Pale gills extend down the stalk

Fruiting varies with local weather and habitat.

Three Identification Clues

01

Yellow, overlapping caps

02

Pale gills beneath the caps

03

Clustered growth associated with wood

Field Photographs

Compare cap shape, color and visible structures in the photographs below.

Identification & Look-alikes

What to Look For

The existing Golden Oyster label is consistent with this image. In the field, photograph the underside, stalk attachment and supporting wood as well as the caps.

A Closer Look

Other oyster-shaped fungi share this growth form. Yellow color alone is insufficient: examine gills, substrate and the whole cluster.

Habitat & Life History

Habitat & Season

Dead hardwood, including logs and standing dead trees. Often fruits during warm, wet conditions.

Ecology & Fruiting

A wood-decomposing oyster mushroom that has escaped cultivation in North America.

Did You Know?

Two common names

Golden Oyster and Yellow Oyster refer to the same species.

A wood recycler

The fungus obtains nutrients from dead wood.

An introduced fungus

Wild records document its spread beyond cultivation.

Range & Sightings

Where It Lives

Native to Asia and established in parts of North America. Its North American distribution is expanding.

Recorded Observations

Explore reported sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.

Identification notes & comments

Think a photograph has a different identification? Please include its filename or describe the image, suggest a name, and explain the identifying features. Links to reliable references are welcome. Thoughtful corrections help improve this guide.

Suggestions are reviewed before we change a label. First-time comments may await moderation.

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