Books

Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora

This book is a comprehensive guide to identifying mushrooms. It walks you through the ID process step by step. It highlights the common habitat of the mushroom and the edibility status. It does not only include mushrooms found in British Columbia. The book contains a bibliography.

David Arora is a well respected Mycologist. He has written two books about fungi (Mushrooms Demystified and All That Rain Promises and More). He has taught mycology in California for over 15 years. This is a great and trusted source.

Mushrooms of British Columbia by Andy Mackinnon and Kem Luther

This book is a good tool to get familiar with the mushrooms found in British Columbia. It shows the different groups of mushrooms and fungi, the common lookalikes, the edibility, and features colourful pictures. The book contains a bibliography.

Andy Mckinnon is an ecologist who has co-authored several books about the flora of western North America. He is a past president of the Southern Vancouver Mycological Society.

Ken Luther works as a dean at Sheridan College’s program in communication, culture, and information technology at the University of Toronto.

These two authors have collaborated and provided their expertise in mycology and communication, making this a trusted source.

Wild Edible Mushrooms of British Columbia by Tom Cervenka

This is a field guide that focuses on the edible mushrooms found in British Columbia. It shows different groups of edible mushrooms, their descriptions, lookalikes, what time of year they usually emerge, and has colourful pictures. The book contains a bibliography.

Tom Cervenka is a naturalist and author who has written several field guides for identifying mushrooms in various regions. He holds a degree from the University of Alberta. He lives in Vancouver, and is a part of the Vancouver Mycological Society (VMS). His book is sold at VMS meetings and conventions. Given his expertise and backing by VMS, this is a reliable source.

Common Mushroom of the Northwest by J. Duane September

This is a very helpful guide. It displays the common mushrooms found in British Columbia, but is compact enough to take on long walks! It contains colourful pictures and descriptions that are helpful for ID. The book contains a bibliography.

J. Duane is a nature photographer, biologist, and writer. He obtained a biology degree from the University of Alberta and has published wildlife research and guide books. The author’s expertise makes this a reliable source.