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Edibility
Choice
Lookalike Danger
2 / 5
Habitat
🪵 Dead elm
Season
Sep – Nov
"Not a true oyster — bigger, solitary, on live elm wounds. Mild flavor, meaty texture."
This species is found with or partners with the following hosts. Ectomycorrhizal hosts (green border) form a root-level partnership; ericoid / arbutoid shrubs (purple border) share the same mycorrhizal networks.

Morel indicator (dying elms). Elm oyster host.
NOT a true oyster — Hypsizygus instead of Pleurotus. Larger, chunkier, with a central stem and crowded white gills. Common on elm, box elder, and maple wounds. Firm, meaty flavor.
Wounds on living and dying elms, box elder, silver maple across eastern North America. Summer through fall.
Min Soil Temp
55°F
Moisture Need
rain 0.5in 7d
Drought Tolerance
moderate
Elevation Range
0–6,684 ft
Both edible. Elm oyster has a central stem; Pleurotus has offset or missing stem.
Dead elm
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.