Winter · February 2026
Mushrooms in February
15 species of mushrooms in Europe — 3 edible, 1 poisonous. The list updates automatically from the MycoNote database.
February is the last month of winter, but the forest can already feel spring coming. Snow melts on sunny slopes, the ground thaws in patches, and the velvet shank keeps up its quiet fruiting. In warm years, by the end of the month you may already find the first knights in frost-sheltered spots. February is a time for patience and waiting: a few more weeks, and the forest will wake up.
Which mushrooms grow in February in Europe
3
Edible
0
Conditionally edible
1
Poisonous
0
Deadly poisonous
In February in Europe you can come across 15 species of mushrooms. Of these, 3 edible and conditionally edible species are good to pick. Be careful: among the active species, 1 are dangerous. Before you pick, check the lookalike comparisons.
Which mushrooms grow in February
In February Europe has 15 species of mushrooms in season: 3 edible and conditionally edible ones that are good to pick, and 1 dangerous ones. Snow melts on sunny slopes, the ground thaws in patches, and the velvet shank keeps up its quiet fruiting The full list of February mushrooms with photos and descriptions is in the catalog below.
When should you go mushroom picking in February? In February, look for velvet shank in the same places as in January. A warm winter can bring surprises — late honey fungus in sheltered ravines. The general rule: head out 5–10 days after a heavy rain, when daytime temperatures are 15–25°C (59–77°F). February is part of the winter mushroom season, so look there for the big picture of the season.
Poisonous mushrooms in February
In February there are 1 species of dangerous mushrooms in season. Many of them look like edible species — never put a mushroom in your basket if you have any doubt about it.
Compare mushrooms with their lookalikes →All poisonous mushrooms →
All mushrooms of February in Europe

Aleurodiscus amorphus
Inedible
Amphinema byssoides
Inedible
Amyloporia sinuosa
Inedible
Anomoporia bombycina
Inedible
Artist's bracket
Ganoderma applanatum
Inedible
Hairy curtain crust
Stereum hirsutum
Inedible
Oyster mushroom
Pleurotus ostreatus
Edible
Phaeophyscia orbicularis
Inedible
Scarlet elf cup
Sarcoscypha coccinea
Inedible
Splitgill
Schizophyllum commune
Inedible
Tinder fungus
Fomes fomentarius
Inedible
Tree flute
Menegazzia terebrata
Inedible
Velvet shank
Flammulina velutipes
Edible
Wolf lichen
Letharia vulpina
Poisonous
Yellow brain
Tremella mesenterica
Edible
What to read about mushrooms in February
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Oyster mushrooms are an affordable, nutritious mushroom rich in protein and fiber. Here's why they're good for…
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Frequently asked questions about mushrooms in February
Which mushrooms grow in February in Europe?
In February Europe has 15 species of mushrooms in season: 3 edible, 0 conditionally edible and 1 poisonous. In February, look for velvet shank in the same places as in January. A warm winter can bring surprises — late honey fungus in sheltered ravines.
When should you go mushroom picking in February?
In February, look for velvet shank in the same places as in January. A warm winter can bring surprises — late honey fungus in sheltered ravines. Head out 5–10 days after a heavy rain, when daytime temperatures are 15–25°C (59–77°F).
Are there poisonous mushrooms in February?
Yes, in February there are 1 species of dangerous mushrooms in season. Check every mushroom before you pick it, and never put anything in your basket if you have doubts.
What is winter like for mushroom foragers in Europe?
Winter in Europe is the time of the velvet shank (Flammulina). It fruits during thaws on willow and poplar stumps. All the other species rest until spring.
Where to pick mushrooms in February in Europe?
The most reliable places are mountain forests and damp pine woods: they hold moisture longer. But mushrooms in February grow all over Europe — the key is to head out 5–10 days after a heavy rain.
How many mushroom species can you find in February?
According to MycoNote, in February Europe has 15 species of mushrooms in season. Of these, 3 are edible or conditionally edible and good to pick, and 1 are dangerous. The full list with photos and descriptions is further down this page.
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