What started as a trendy mushroom to grow at home is progressively becoming an invasive species in North America.
If you are not growing them in mushroom kits, you may not walk far on your popular trail before noticing the vivid, yellow-capped golden oyster mushrooms.
While they may be popular for their delicious flavor, mycologists and other environmental experts are concerned that a new invasive species may have been unleashed.
From Trendy Superfood to Invasive Fungus
Golden oyster mushrooms, native to China and Russia, were brought to North America in the early 2000s as the international mushroom trade boomed and the culinary fad cemented its presence on many household menus.
These mushrooms, in particular, are popular because they are easy to grow and can adapt to a variety of environmental conditions.
Initially, they were grown by small-scale urban farmers and in-home mushroom kits, seemingly sealing the loophole of escape beyond these controlled environments.
As most non-native species often do, the mushroom escaped into the wild since 2010 and has since been sighted on trails, parks, and forest areas.
Felled hardwood logs are a favorite habitat, where they spread rapidly by appearing earlier and growing faster than native species.
A recent study has found that the mushroom has since spread to 25 middle and northeastern states, displacing native fungal communities. The study has also found that where the GOM dominates an area, native mushroom diversity falls by 50% or more.
Native mushrooms and other fungi play an important role in breaking down plant and animal matter, enriching the soil for themselves and other organisms. They also assist in carbon sequestration and managing carbon emissions from wood and soil.
With the golden oyster mushrooms already threatening the native species population, experts are also concerned that the invasion will exacerbate habitat destruction and vulnerability to climate change.
Some of the displaced species include the elm oyster, mossy maze polypore, also known as Cerrena unicolor, and Nemania serpens.
Cultivation With Caution: What You Can Do
Mushroom cultivation is considered one of the most successful and sustainable food practices today.
However, having existed in a regulatory gray area, invasive fungi like GOM have turned from a food craze to an ecological disruptor.
Mycologists and extension agencies now recommend cultivating native mushrooms, especially outdoors.
Cultivating the mushrooms indoors can prevent further spread of the invasive fungus.
For commercial GOM sellers, adding a note that the species is invasive will increase awareness on better indoor cultivation and non-composting.
Increased public education on responsible mushroom cultivation practices can also go a long way in curtailing invasive species and thereby preserving the vital native biodiversity.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.