Foraging calendar · spring

Mushrooms in April: what to forage in the forest

Morels protected, false morels in the woods – spring vigilance

Photo: Mark Veldman / Pexels

Edible mushrooms in April

5 species from the atlas.

Chicken of the woodsLaetiporus sulphureusEdible with care

Common inkcapCoprinopsis atramentariaEdible with care

Jelly earAuricularia auricula-judaeEdible

Shaggy inkcapCoprinus comatusEdible

Sheathed woodtuftKuehneromyces mutabilisEdible

Poisonous mushrooms in April

False morel, Sulphur tuft. Check what they are mistaken for before anything goes into your basket.

Herbs and fruit in April

Common sorrelRumex acetosa L.Edible

DandelionTaraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.Edible

Ground elderAegopodium podagraria L.Edible

Scots pine (young shoots)Pinus sylvestris L.Edible

Stinging nettleUrtica dioica L.Edible

Seasonal jobs for April

Morels (including the common morel) growing outside gardens and green spaces are partially protected – they must not be picked (Dz.U. 2014 poz. 1408).
The false morel (March–May) is sometimes mistaken for a morel and is deadly poisonous (State Forests – Lasy Państwowe).
Pick young nettle, dandelion, ground elder and sorrel leaves away from roads, sprayed fields and places where dogs are walked.

Frequently asked questions

Are there mushrooms in April?

Yes. In April the species that usually fruit include: Chicken of the woods, Common inkcap, Jelly ear, Shaggy inkcap, Sheathed woodtuft. How many you will find depends on rain and temperature over the past few weeks – check today's mushroom forecast.

Which poisonous mushrooms grow in April?

Watch out especially for: False morel, Sulphur tuft.