John Miller
Cup mushrooms are a group of fungi characterized by their cup-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble small, colourful bowls or cups. They are commonly found growing on decaying wood, leaf litter, or in soil. While some cup mushrooms are edible and non-toxic, such as the common brown cup mushroom (Peziza phyllogena), others are poisonous and even lethally toxic. For example, the death cap (Amanita phalloides), a type of cup mushroom, is considered the most poisonous of all known mushrooms, with as little as half a mushroom containing enough toxin to kill an adult human. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms, it is strongly advised against consuming wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Common brown cup mushroom, domicile cup fungus, death cap |
| Scientific name | Peziza phyllogena, Peziza badiaconfusa, Amanita phalloides |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic, but some sources claim it contains MMH toxin |
| Edibility | Edible, but not commonly foraged due to lack of taste and substance |
| Colour | Brown, with shades ranging from tan to dark brown |
| Shape | Cup-shaped, with wavy or lobed edges |
| Size | 1.2 to 3.1 inches in diameter |
| Texture | Thin, fragile, and brittle |
| Odor | No distinctive odor |
| Habitat | Grows on decomposing organic material, decaying wood, leaf litter, or in soil |
| Seasonality | Appears in spring, late summer, or early fall |
| Lookalikes | Many lookalikes exist, requiring careful identification |
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What You'll Learn
- Some cup mushrooms are toxic, such as the common brown cup mushroom, which contains MMH, the same toxin found in false morels
- The common brown cup mushroom is also known as Peziza phyllogena and is often found on decomposing leaves
- Distinguishing between edible and poisonous cup mushrooms can be challenging, so consuming wild mushrooms is not advised
- Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom
- Amatoxins, the toxins found in Amanita phalloides, are thermostable, meaning their toxic effects are not reduced by heat/cooking
Some cup mushrooms are toxic, such as the common brown cup mushroom, which contains MMH, the same toxin found in false morels
Cup mushrooms are a group of fungi characterised by their cup-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble small, colourful bowls or cups. They typically belong to the Ascomycota phylum and are known for their diverse colours and habitats. They are commonly found growing on decaying wood, leaf litter, or in soil.
While most cup mushrooms are not toxic, some varieties can be poisonous, and a few are even lethally toxic. One such example is the common brown cup mushroom (Peziza phyllogena), which contains MMH, the same toxin found in false morels. This particular species is technically edible, but it is rarely consumed due to its insubstantial flesh and lack of distinct flavour. It is important to distinguish it from its toxic look-alikes, as there are many brown cup fungi that closely resemble it.
The common brown cup mushroom is widespread and derives its name from its brownish cup shape, with the scientific name 'Peziza' translating to 'stemless or footless mushroom'. The cups are typically between 1.2 and 3.1 inches in diameter and vary in shade from tan to dark brown. The inner surface of the cup is often dark purplish-brown to dark reddish-grey, while the outer surface is usually lighter in colour. The mushroom is thin, fragile, and attaches directly to the substrate it is growing on. It is commonly found on decomposing organic material or decaying wood, particularly in the spring.
To avoid mistaking toxic mushrooms for edible ones, it is important to correctly identify the specific species of mushroom. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be challenging, and consuming wild mushrooms is generally discouraged. Proper identification requires examining all characteristics, including habitat, colour, shape, and growth patterns, rather than relying solely on visual resemblance to photographs.
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The common brown cup mushroom is also known as Peziza phyllogena and is often found on decomposing leaves
Cup mushrooms are a group of fungi characterised by their cup-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble small bowls or cups. They are commonly found growing on decaying wood, leaf litter, or in soil. Many mushrooms are poisonous, and some can be lethally toxic. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be very challenging, so it is strongly advised against consuming wild mushrooms.
The common brown cup mushroom, also known as Peziza phyllogena, is a type of cup mushroom. Peziza phyllogena grows solitarily or in dense clusters on soil or well-decayed logs, with fruit bodies usually appearing in early spring. The fungus has a widespread distribution in North America, especially in the upper Midwest of the United States. The fruit bodies of Peziza phyllogena are cup-shaped, measuring 3-8 cm in diameter. The flesh is thin and fragile, and the sides of the cups are often compressed or lobed. The inner surface of the cup is dark purplish-brown to dark reddish-grey, while the outer surface is similar or may have more purplish tones. The cup margin is thin, with a sharp edge, and it turns black as it dries.
The edibility of Peziza phyllogena was previously unknown, but Roger Phillips considers it edible. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming any wild mushroom, as many mushrooms that resemble Peziza phyllogena may be poisonous. For example, the death cap (Amanita phalloides) is a deadly poisonous mushroom that resembles several edible species commonly consumed by humans, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning. Amatoxins, the class of toxins found in these mushrooms, are thermostable, meaning their toxic effects are not reduced by cooking. As little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human, causing liver and kidney failure.
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Distinguishing between edible and poisonous cup mushrooms can be challenging, so consuming wild mushrooms is not advised
Cup mushrooms, or cup fungi, are characterised by their cup-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble small, colourful bowls or cups. They typically belong to the Ascomycota phylum and are known for their diverse colours and habitats. They are commonly found growing on decaying wood, leaf litter, or in soil.
The common brown cup mushroom (Peziza phyllogena) is a well-known variety of cup fungus. It is edible and non-toxic, but it is rarely consumed due to its insubstantial flesh and lack of flavour. This mushroom is thin and fragile, with a diameter ranging from 1.2 to 3.1 inches. Its colour can vary from tan to dark brown, and its inner surface is typically dark purplish-brown to dark reddish-grey. It grows on decomposing organic material, particularly clumps of decomposing leaves, and is commonly found in North America and Europe.
While the common brown cup mushroom is non-toxic, there are other varieties of cup mushrooms that are poisonous and even lethally toxic. For example, the bay-brown coloured Sarcoscypha and Geopyxis (earth cup) are typically cup- or goblet-shaped and are poisonous to some people. Additionally, the deadly poisonous Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, resembles several edible mushroom species, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning.
Distinguishing between edible and poisonous cup mushrooms can be extremely challenging, and consuming wild mushrooms is strongly advised against. The common brown cup mushroom, for instance, has many look-alikes, and even experts may struggle to identify the exact variety without specialised equipment. Furthermore, toxic mushrooms may resemble edible species, as in the case of Amanita phalloides, which can be mistaken for Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms and be cautious when encountering any wild mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning.
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Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom
Amanita phalloides is a large fungus, growing up to 15 cm across and 15 cm tall, with a domed or white cap depending on its age. The cap is usually a shiny olive-yellow to greenish-bronze colour, with a distinct greenish hue, and 5–15 cm in diameter. The gills underneath the cap are white, turning cream or slightly pink as they age. The mushroom has a sickly sweet and rancid odour when old, but at the button stage, it is virtually odourless.
Amanita phalloides originates from Europe but has since been introduced to other parts of the world, including western coastal areas of North America. It is now found in British Columbia, particularly in and around Vancouver and Victoria, and has been associated with non-native tree species such as English and red oaks, sweet chestnut, and hazelnut.
The death cap is similar in appearance to several edible mushroom species, including Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning. It is recommended to avoid consuming wild mushrooms unless their edibility is absolutely certain.
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Amatoxins, the toxins found in Amanita phalloides, are thermostable, meaning their toxic effects are not reduced by heat/cooking
Cup fungi are a group of fungi characterised by their cup-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble small, colourful bowls or cups. They are commonly found growing on decaying wood, leaf litter, or in soil. Many mushrooms are poisonous, and some can be lethally toxic. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be challenging. Therefore, consuming wild mushrooms is strongly advised against.
One such toxic mushroom is Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap. It is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom, one of many in the genus Amanita. It originates from Europe but has been introduced to other parts of the world since the late twentieth century. The large fruiting bodies (mushrooms) appear in summer and autumn; the caps are generally greenish in colour with a white stipe and gills. The cap colour is variable, including white forms, and is thus not a reliable identifier. These toxic mushrooms resemble several edible species commonly consumed by humans, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning.
The estimated minimum lethal dose of amatoxins is 0.1 mg/kg or 7 to 10 milligrams of toxin in adults. Their swift intestinal absorption coupled with their thermostability leads to rapid development of toxic effects in a relatively short period of time. The most severe effects are toxic hepatitis with centrolobular necrosis and hepatic steatosis, as well as acute tubulointerstitial nephropathy, which altogether induce severe liver failure and kidney failure. Amatoxins have high heat stability, and this property, combined with their solubility in water, makes them exceptionally toxic as they are not destroyed by cooking or drying. In addition, amatoxins are resistant to enzyme and acid degradation, and therefore when ingested, they are not inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the species of the cup mushroom. The common brown cup mushroom (Peziza phyllogena) is edible and non-toxic, but it is rarely consumed due to its insubstantial flesh and lack of flavour. However, some species of cup mushrooms, such as Sarcoscypha and Geopyxis (earth cup), are poisonous to some people.
The common brown cup mushroom is easily recognised by its cup shape and thin, brownish flesh. The cups typically measure between 1.2 and 3.1 inches in diameter and can vary in shade from tan to dark brown. The inner surface of the cup is usually dark purplish-brown to dark reddish-grey, while the outer surface is lighter in colour.
Yes, there are several toxic mushrooms that may be mistaken for the common brown cup mushroom or other edible species. For example, the death cap (Amanita phalloides) is a deadly poisonous mushroom that resembles several edible species, including Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom. Therefore, it is essential to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them.
Distinguishing between edible and toxic mushrooms can be challenging, and consuming wild mushrooms is generally not recommended. It is important to pay attention to the specific characteristics of the mushroom, including its colour, shape, size, and growth patterns. Additionally, some mushrooms may have distinct odours that can aid in identification.
If you accidentally consume a toxic mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as some toxins, such as amatoxins, are heat-resistant and cannot be neutralised by cooking. Provide as much information as possible about the mushroom to medical professionals, including its physical characteristics and the location where it was found.
