Main points
- In May, mushroom pickers can find wrinkled, stringy, oak, russula, rain and other mushrooms.
- It is important to follow safety rules when picking mushrooms, not to pick mushrooms that you are not sure about, and to avoid picking near highways or industrial areas.
What mushrooms can be picked in May / Pexels
May is a special season for lovers of “quiet hunting.” The ground is gradually warming up, and spring rains create ideal conditions for the growth of various mushrooms.
What mushrooms can be found in May?
After a rather modest selection in April, the range expands noticeably in May. Mushroom pickers can find wrinkled, stringy, oak, russula, and rain mushrooms, writes the publication “In the Forest”.
At this time, both predominantly spring species and the first summer mushrooms appear in the forests.
- Morels
They appear as early as April, but grow actively in May. Morels can most often be found in broadleaf and mixed forests.
These mushrooms prefer light areas: clearings, forest edges, open spaces near trees and bushes. They usually grow in groups, not singly, which makes them much easier to find.
Morels are valued for their delicate aroma and taste.
- Stitches
Another spring mushroom that can be found in May. It is easily recognized by its characteristic wrinkled cap of brown or light brown color. It grows mainly in pine forests, on sandy soils, clearings and places warmed by the sun.
At the same time, chanterelles are conditionally edible mushrooms, as they contain toxic substances. They must be carefully processed before cooking. Otherwise, chanterelles are dangerous to eat.
- Sulfur-yellow tinder
The sulfur-yellow tinder fungus is a very noticeable mushroom with a rich yellow-orange color. It grows on the trunks of deciduous trees and is usually located low above the ground.
Only young mushrooms are suitable for consumption. If the tinder fungus grows on coniferous trees, it is better not to pick it, as it can cause poisoning.
- Raincoats
Rain mushrooms are edible only when the flesh inside remains firm and white. If the mushroom has darkened inside, it is not worth eating.
Raindrops spoil quickly, so it is best to cook them immediately after picking. They taste good fried, in soups, and in vegetable dishes.
- May mushroom
The May mushroom appears en masse in May. Its season is short – from the beginning of May to the first days of June, so mushroom pickers try not to miss the moment.
The cap of this mushroom is light, with a yellowish tint closer to the center, and the stem is short and dense. The May mushroom grows in groups.
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Birch trees
At the end of May, the first boletus mushrooms may appear in the forests. This is one of the most famous mushrooms among Ukrainians, easily recognizable by its light-colored stem with dark spots and brown cap. It is worth looking for it near birch trees, on forest edges, and in young forests.
Boletus mushrooms are versatile in preparation: they can be boiled, fried, dried, pickled, and frozen.
Photo: Mushroom picking calendar for 2026 / In the forest
Note! There is an opinion that mushrooms grow especially well after rain. However, mycologist Ostap Bogoslavets, in a commentary on Channel 24 , said that not every rain is followed by a wave of mushrooms. It happens that, on the contrary, it is too wet after rain. In general, for mushrooms to grow, moderate moisture and moderate heat are needed.
What should mushroom pickers remember?
To ensure that “quiet hunting” brings only pleasure, it is important to follow simple safety rules.
You should never pick mushrooms that you are not sure about. Even the slightest doubt is reason enough to leave the mushroom in the forest.
Do not pick old, damaged, or wormy mushrooms. It is also dangerous to pick mushrooms near highways, industrial zones, city parks, or near businesses, as they actively accumulate toxins.
Experienced mushroom pickers advise going to the forest early in the morning. At this time, mushrooms are better visible, and the cool weather makes the walk more comfortable.
It is better to choose closed clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat for a hike. Even in warm weather, this will help protect you from ticks, scratches, and insects.
Note! In May, in the Carpathians, you can also find a very beautiful mushroom Floccularia Rickena – this is a rare edible mushroom from the champignon family, according to Mushrooms of Ukraine. However, it is listed in the Red Book
What else do you need to know about mushrooms in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, it is forbidden to collect mushrooms that are listed in the Red Book, so as not to harm rare species.
For ordinary Ukrainians, the fine for picking mushrooms in an unauthorized place ranges from 17 to 51 hryvnias; for officials, it ranges from 51 hryvnias to 119 hryvnias.
The most expensive mushrooms in the world can be found in Ukraine. The best conditions for them are currently in Transcarpathia. Such mushrooms love mixed forests and moderate humidity.