What is a 'Spore Print' ??

A Spore Print is simply capturing a mushroom's spores drop on onto a surface.

Did you know:

Fungi fruiting bodies release billions of tiny reproductive cells called spores. Essentially, spores are to mushrooms what seeds are to plants. Mushrooms are fungal structures that grow up from an underground mycelial network; Furthermore, if they're healthy enough, these fruiting bodies release a hefty amount of spores to increase chance of reproduction.

Spore prints are a necessary step in a 100% accurate ID of a mushroom.

Interested in learning the simple process?

1. Clip the stem or stipe of your gilled mushroom so that only a small bit remains.

2. Place the mushroom cap, pore surface down, on a piece of paper (white if you're expecting a dark print, or if you’re expecting a light colored spore print, then be sure to use a darker background! *a sheet of tin foil is a great option*).

3. Place a cup or bowl over the mushroom cap on the paper or foil and place a small object (like a pencil, pen, clothes pin etc.) just under the lip so that there’s a small opening for airflow. *this creates humidity, or moist air, which mushrooms love. Plus it puts them in the mood to drop their spores 😏*

Now all you have to do is wait!

Its usually best to wait about 6 hours (or overnight), then remove the cup and take a look at what spores have dropped!

If you don’t see any there’s a chance you’ve plucked a mushroom that’s too mature. It’s best to try a few spore prints at a time of the same species just to be sure you’ll have a successful print.