The ‘Douglas fir’ oyster (also nicknamed the ‘BC Wild King’) is a wild mushroom we originally found in December 2021 growing on an old growth Douglas fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii) on southern Vancouver Island. This mushroom was slightly unusual growing on softwood and had an interesting elephant ear appearance when unfurled in full growth in the canopy. We used the handy ‘knock off with a long stick” method while trying to catch the falling mushroom with the other hand — a method that provides endless entertainment for those who watch, but limited success for the participant. Luckily we were able to catch and culture this unique wild mushroom in our on-site laboratory, and now cultivate it in our grow room.

The physical traits are almost those of a King Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), with long fat stems, small frilled caps until they reach full size, and the signature ‘elephant ear’ shape.

Upon cooking, these unique little gems emulate baby button porcinis (Boletus edulis). The delicate meaty texture is unique and one to be remembered.

Medicinally equivalent to other Pleurotus varieties, our wild mushroom cultures also have the benefit of never being selectively bred or designed by anyone other than mother nature.