Mushrooms and Other Fungi of the Midcontinental United States
- 334 pages
- 12 hours of reading
This revised second edition offers essential information for identifying mushrooms in the midcontinental region, covering Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, and the tallgrass prairies. Significant improvements have been made from the first edition, including updated scientific names, enhanced photos, improved keys, and the addition of new species, bringing the total to 248. The authors also include a section on truffles and have annotated the bibliography. With 125 new photos, many serve to highlight details that a single image cannot capture. Each species is described in terms of its cap, gills, stalk, annulus, and seasonality, along with information on edibility and toxicity. The detailed introduction explores the economic and environmental roles of fungi, basic mushroom biology, nomenclature, and habitats. The keys are crucial, guiding readers to the major groups of fungi, with genera keys provided for each family discussed. Additionally, a glossary and two bibliographies—general and technical—are included. Through their technical descriptions and vibrant color photos, the authors express their deep appreciation for these diverse organisms, which have long intrigued observers with their enigmatic nature.
