Reishi Mushroom

Hemlock reishi (Ganoderma tsugae) are a common Spring medicinal mushroom that are native to eastern North America.

Hemlock reishi, also known as hemlock varnish shelf, can be found growing on the eastern hemlock tree (Tsuga canadensis). They are usually found on dead or dying trees, acting as decomposers. They can occasionally be found on living trees, acting as parasites. The mushroom is often found growing on the same tree for many years.

Hemlock reishi most often fruit from May-June. If found young, the cream-colored edge can be harvested and the mushroom will likely regrow. This tender edge can be cooked and eaten as an edible mushroom, but the mushroom turns tough and bitter quickly.

Hemlock reishi start off as cream-colored knobs growing from wood. The top turns orange and then maroon with age. The mushroom has tiny pores on the underside which start as creamy white and become brown with age. Spore print is reddish-brown.

Reishi mushrooms have been consumed as a medicinal mushroom for thousands of years. They are known to improve sleep, reduce stress, and treat seasonal allergies. Reishi mushrooms have water-soluble polysaccharides which are immuno-modulatory and alcohol-soluble triterpenoids which are cytotoxic.