Book excerpt: An illustrated key to identifying the mushrooms of the Cascadian bioregion, stretching from coastal Alaska to central California and Idaho, featuring nearly 1,100 full-color photographs and more than 3,000 species. In this unique and comprehensive field guide, mycologist Dr. Michael Beug helps mushroom hunters of all levels navigate an often bewildering array of species by clearly identifying features that separate one cluster from another. By answering simple questions (Does the mushroom have gills? Are there upward pointing tips like coral? Is the underside smooth or veined?) and consulting the carefully chosen, full-color photos, Dr. Beug leads you step by step through the process of successfully identifying your find. Covering gilled and non-gilled species, Chanterelles, Boletes, Amanitas, Agaricus, Psilocybe, and many, many more—and including descriptions of lookalikes and similar species—Mushrooms of Cascadia presents 3,000 species of mushrooms commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, with nearly 1,100 clarifying full-color photographs. With this invaluable guide, even beginner foragers can learn how to distinguish an edible (non-poisonous) series from a poisonous one. Whether you’re seeking hallucinogenic or medicinal varieties, or hunting mushrooms for dyeing fabric or making tonight’s dinner, this exceptionally useful guide will teach you how to quickly recognize what you find in the forest.