Where Do Turkey Tail Mushrooms Grow? A Complete Guide

Turkey tail mushrooms are a fascinating type of fungus that can be found growing in forests around the world. But where exactly do these mushrooms grow and what conditions do they need to thrive? This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about where turkey tail mushrooms grow.

The turkey tail mushroom known scientifically as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, is a common polypore mushroom that grows on dead logs stumps, branches and trees. It gets its name from the brown and tan rings on its cap that resemble the tail feathers of a turkey.

Turkey tail mushrooms grow in temperate forests across North America, Europe, Asia and many other parts of the world. They are saprophytic fungi, meaning they obtain nutrients by breaking down dead organic material. By decomposing dead wood, they play an important role in nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

These mushrooms have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Modern research has shown turkey tail mushrooms contain antioxidants and immune-boosting polysaccharides that have numerous health benefits. They are also being studied for their potential anti-cancer effects.

What Conditions Are Needed for Turkey Tail Growth?

Turkey tail mushrooms are relatively easy to cultivate, as they are not very picky when it comes to their growing conditions. Here are the main factors that encourage or inhibit turkey tail growth:

Temperature – Turkey tails grow best in cool to mild temperatures between 50-75°F. They can tolerate freezing temperatures but grow poorly above 80°F.
Moisture – These mushrooms need moist conditions to grow. They thrive in areas with high humidity moderate rainfall and damp woods.
Substrate – Turkey tails commonly grow on dead hardwood trees and logs, particularly oak, maple, poplar, beech, alder and willow. They can also grow on some conifers. The wood must be decaying but not completely rotten.
Sunlight – Turkey tails grow best in shady areas and do not require direct sunlight. Too much sun exposure can dry them out.
Air Circulation – Good air flow is important. Stagnant air encourages mold growth that can kill developing mushrooms.
** pH** – Turkey tails tolerate a wide pH range but seem to grow best in slightly acidic conditions between pH 5-7.

As you can see, turkey tail mushrooms are versatile when it comes to their growing needs. This helps explain why they are so widely distributed.

What Trees and Forest Types Foster Turkey Tail Growth?

Turkey tail mushrooms are found in many different forest habitats, but they especially thrive in:

Deciduous forests – These broadleaf woodlands provide ample hardwood logs and debris for turkey tails to decompose as the leaves drop in autumn. Oak, maple and poplar trees are common hosts.
Older forests – Mature forests have more fallen trees, stumps and woody debris that offer substrates for turkey tail fungi. Older woods provide better growing conditions.
Riparian zones – The damp, shady environment along streams and river banks are prime turkey tail territory. Floods bring new deadfall for them to colonize.
Pine barrens – Despite the name, these open oak-dominated woods interspersed with pine trees provide good turkey tail habitat.
Disturbed areas – Windstorms, fires and timber harvesting create fallen trees for turkey tails to grow on. They colonize disturbed sites quickly.

In general, turkey tail mushrooms thrive in moist, mature deciduous forests with plenty of dead wood. But they are opportunistic and can be found growing in all kinds of woodlands.

What Specific Trees Do Turkey Tails Grow On?

While turkey tail mushrooms grow on both hardwoods and conifers, they most commonly occur on the following tree species:

Oak – All oak species provide good habitat, especially red oak.
Maple – Particularly sugar maple and red maple.
Poplar and Aspen – A favorite substrate in many areas.
Willow – Salix species are frequent hosts.
Beech – American beech provides good growth substrate.
Birch – Paper birch and yellow birch commonly host turkey tails.
Alders – Speckled alder and green alder support turkey tail growth.
Douglas Fir – The main conifer host for this fungus.
Eastern Hemlock – Another suitable conifer species for turkey tails.

So if you’re hunting for turkey tails, check fallen logs and stumps of the tree species listed above. Dead branches on living trees are another place to look. Just be sure to leave some turkey tails behind to spawn the next generation!

When Is the Best Time to Find Turkey Tail Mushrooms?

Turkey tail mushrooms can be found year round in most climates. However, they are most abundant during wet periods in spring and fall when ample moisture promotes prolific fruiting.

Here are the peak seasons for turkey tail growth based on geographic location:

Pacific Northwest – Spring and fall are best. Hunt in March-May and October-December.
Midwest and Northeast – Look in spring and autumn. Prime times are April-June and September-November.
Southeast – Spring and early summer offer peak growth, especially April through July.
Southwest – Hunt after summer monsoons in July-September. Fall through winter are secondary seasons.
California – Fruiting occurs from November to May after rains, with winter being best.
Rocky Mountains – Spring and fall are main seasons, with April-June and September-November being prime.

No matter where you live, turkey tail mushrooms can be found throughout the year after moist periods. But planning your hunt during the peak fruiting seasons will yield the best results.

Optimal Habitats For Hunting Wild Turkey Tails

Now that you know which trees these mushrooms grow on and when they are most abundant, let’s examine some specific habitats where you’re likely to find prolific turkey tails:

Floodplains – The wooded areas around creeks and rivers provide ideal damp, shady conditions for turkey tails after flooding.
Swamps – Wooded wetland areas with alders, maples or tupelo trees are great places to find turkey tails.
Eastern oak forests – Mature oak woods in the eastern half of North America offer prime habitat.
Old-growth redwood forests – Fallen redwood logs in California often harbor turkey tails.
Douglas fir forests – This conifer hosts turkey tails in forests across the west.
Pine barrens – These fire-adapted oak woods in the eastern U.S. support turkey tails.
Disturbed sites – Look for turkey tails colonizing fallen trees after storms, burns or logging.

With so many suitable forest habitats, turkey tail mushrooms are widely distributed across North America and beyond. Seek out moist, mature deciduous or coniferous woods and you’re likely to find these fascinating fungi.

Turkey tail mushrooms grow in temperate forests worldwide that provide adequate moisture, shade and decaying logs. Although they colonize both coniferous and deciduous trees, they especially thrive on oaks, maples, poplars and alders in mature floodplain forests. By seeking out damp older woods after wet periods, you are likely to find abundant turkey tails during their peak fruiting seasons. Get out and explore your local forests this spring or fall and see if you can discover some of these fascinating fungi!

where do turkey tail mushrooms grow

Turkey Tail Mushroom Description:

Turkey tail is a polypore mushroom that gets its name from the variety of colors and shape that resemble the tail feathers of wild turkeys. The surface of the cap can range in size and has a leather texture and rings of different shades of blacks, browns, whites and creams. It normally grows in layers, and is not very thick, only a few millimeters at most. There tend to be many fruiting bodies in one spot. The underneath is porous and white/light brown in color.

Turkey tail is a very common mushroom found almost anywhere where there is decomposing wood.

This mushroom causes white rot of the sapwood and can add to the decomposition process. It plays a large role in returning nutrients to the soil in woodlands. Some can be found growing year-round, but most thrive in fall and winter while they’re releasing spores.

Turkey tail, much like other mushroom species, grows on dead wood. If found on landscape trees, they may be a sign of internal decay that could be dangerous. If the decay is extensive, the tree may be at high risk of failure. If turkey tail is found on landscape trees, they should be tested for soundness. Severely decaying trees may be recommended for removal. Consult your local arborist to see what options are available for your trees with turkey tail.

How to Grow Turkey Tail Mushrooms at Home

FAQ

Where is the best place to find turkey tail mushrooms?

Turkey tail mushrooms grow abundantly on dead trees and logs in the wild. They are one of the most common forest mushrooms. Turkey’s tail can come in a wide range of colors, and one can look quite different from another.

Are there poisonous mushrooms that look like turkey tails?

For this reason, you need to learn how to correctly identify turkey tail mushrooms and avoid look-alikes. Fortunately, turkey tail mushrooms do not have toxic look-alikes, which generally makes them a “safe” mushroom to forage.

What kind of trees do turkey tail mushrooms grow on?

Hardwood and other logs: alder, ash, aspen, beech, birch, chestnut, elm, eucalyptus, hickory, honey locust, maple, oak, plum, poplar, sweetgum, pecan, walnut, ironwood, cherry.

Can you eat turkey tail mushrooms in the wild?

Alternatively, some people chop dried turkey tail mushrooms and steep them at home, or use them in cooking. The mushrooms have a chewy texture and a strong flavor. People should not consume turkey tail mushrooms in the wild. The soil or the area around the mushroom could be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria.