Friday, March 30, 2012

MARCH MADNESS

About the Morel Mushroom Season...
The morel mushroom season varies across the United States depending on the region in which you are located. Typically it arrives in the spring months for most regions. Many variables such as air temperature, ground temperature and rain levels impact the growing cycle and how bountiful the crop. There have been many studies as to how, where and why the morels make their grand appearance in certain conditions and not others. Most mushroom hunters will present all kinds of "SWATS" (Scientific Wild Ass Theories) on how, where, and when to find them.  Like when all the leaves are off the pin oak,  when the lilacs leaves are the size of a mouse ear  or when may apples are fully open.   Almost every mushroom hunter will have a few "SWATS" of their own, some with merit, while others are just that....theories.
Mushroom image

Typically they are found in moist areas, around dying or dead Elm trees, Ash trees, old apple orchards and maybe even in your own back yard. Back in the 70's Bob Malake, dad and I even found shrooms along the deer trails in the willow bottoms on the Missouri river in western Iowa. Ground cover varies and it is very likely that each patch of mushrooms you come across may be growing in totally different conditions. It is a common practice of shoomer's to hit their favorite spots year after year.  That is why I always seem to find my first mushrooms in the same general area each year and this year was no exception.  BUT,  this year  Beau and I did something we've never done before... We found moral mushrooms in March in Iowa!  Now about ten years ago when Susie and I went to Holland  I did find a moral among the tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens. Located south of Haarlem Holland. But to find mushrooms in Iowa in March!  Now that's pretty cool!    We've got the rest of weekend to look.  So, wish us luck!

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