Hypomyces lactifluorum

The Lobster Mushroom is a common mid to late summer mushroom in northeast Kansas. Parasitic on other mushrooms, it has been on the questionable edibility list for years. But since there have apparently been no reports of any poisonings associated with this mushroom and it is probably only parasitic to Russula or Lactarius species, recent publications have generally listed it as edible. Certainly the Kansas specimens have been delectable!

Even with its bright coloration, the Lobster is frequently difficult to spot, as it may barely crack the soil surface. But it does seem to fruit in the same area every year, at least in some locations.

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