With its bright yellow, cushion-like caps, the golden oyster mushroom has become a favorite among home growers and food lovers. It is widely available in grow-your-own kits and sold in grocery stores, farmers markets, and specialty shops. However, a University of Florida researcher warns that this appealing mushroom is quietly spreading into natural forests and is now appearing in markets across Florida. Michelle Jusino, assistant professor of forest pathology at the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), says that growing this popular species comes with important responsibilities. While it is prized in the kitchen, it may not remain contained once introduced outdoors. "The golden oyster mushroom may look harmless on a log, but it appears to be a strong competitor in the forest," she said.…