King Oyster
Pleurotus eryngii
Family: Pleurotaceae
Also called: King Oyster, King Trumpet, Cardoncello, Seta de cardo, Eringi
Overview
Mediterranean wild oyster that fruits from the dead roots of Eryngium (sea holly) and other Apiaceae on dry stony grassland. Thick white stem, small tan cap. Choice edible — the basis of the cultivated king-trumpet trade.
Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Nov–Mar
Season
Oct–Apr — typical fruiting months: Sep, Oct, Nov, , Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Host trees & substrate
- Dead roots of Eryngium (sea holly)
- Dead roots of other Apiaceae
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for King Oyster on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.
Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.