A Field Guide to Mushrooms of the Carolinas

by Alan E. Bessette, Arleen R. Bessette, Michael W. Hopping

Overview

Identifying mushrooms in the wild can present an enticing challenge. Taking on unbelievable forms, some are delicious, others are deadly, but the edibility status of the majority remains unknown. In this revised and expanded edition of the classic, best-selling A Field Guide to Mushrooms of the Carolinas, readers will find over 1,000 mushroom species described in clear, simple terms, with color photographs showcasing their unique combinations of features.
What's included:
-Information on mushroom edibility and toxicity
-Basic information on spore characteristics
-Updated nomenclature and taxonomy based on the latest genetic analyses
-An overview of the Carolinas' role in the history of American mycology
-Over 1,000 color photographs of Carolina mushrooms
The unusually large number of described species makes this book a must-have for experienced mushroom hunters as well as those newly interested in mycology. Here, at last, is the definitive field guide for mushrooms in North and South Carolina, from the mountains to the coast, presented in a single portable volume.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781469685526
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	04/15/2025
Series:	Southern Gateways Guides
Edition description:	Revised and Expanded
Pages:	640
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 6.20(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Alan E. Bessette, professional mycologist and emeritus professor of biology, has published numerous papers and more than thirty books. Arleen R. Bessette, mycologist and botanical photographer, has published several papers and more than twenty books. Michael W. Hopping, retired physician and author of several books, is also an award-winning mycophotographer.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“The first modern field guide to mushrooms of the Carolinas, this book fills a mycological gap for regional information on southeastern fungi populations. Well-researched, user-friendly, and subtly humorous, this text will likely become the ultimate reference for the Carolinas as a field guide to mushrooms for years to come.”—Cathy Cripps, Montana State University

“Invaluable and long overdue, this guide to Carolina mushrooms features stunning photographs and informative descriptions of hundreds of diverse mushroom species. A giant leap forward in documenting the diversity of macrofungi in the Carolinas.”—Rytas Vilgalys, Duke University

Editorial Reviews

“This reliable guide will surely be of use outside the Carolinas.”—CHOICE

“The unusually large number of described species makes this book a must-have for experienced mushroom hunters as well as beginners. Here, at last, is the field guide for North and South Carolina mushrooms, from the mountains to the coast, presented in one portable volume.”—Southeastern Naturalist

“Mushroom lovers and collectors in North and South Carolina will eagerly adopt this new field guide as a trusted companion.”—North Carolina Libraries

From the Publisher