John Miller
Mushrooms are a mysterious type of fungi that have been foraged, cultivated, and used in recipes throughout history. However, not all mushrooms are safe to eat. It is important to be cautious as some mushrooms can be poisonous or even deadly. While only a few of the 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms are fatal when ingested, many of these deadly fungi bear a striking resemblance to edible species. Some rules for distinguishing between poisonous and edible mushrooms include avoiding those with red on the cap or stem, and learning which family the fungus belongs to. If you are ever unsure, it is best to avoid consuming the mushroom.
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What You'll Learn
Spikey mushrooms may be from the Psathyrellaceae family
Mushrooms are a fun and tasty addition to many recipes, but it is important to be cautious as not all mushrooms are edible. Some mushrooms are poisonous and can even be deadly. If you spot any suspicious mushrooms growing in your garden, it is important to carefully remove and discard them, especially if you have children or pets.
The Psathyrellaceae family was only recently classified as a distinct group. Previously, the species within this family were classified under the genus Coprinus, or in the case of a few Coprinellus species, in Pseudocoprinus. However, based on molecular data, the genus Coprinus was divided, and these three genera were moved to the family Psathyrellaceae.
The Psathyrellaceae family is known for its saprotrophic nature, meaning they function as primary or secondary decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems. They have been found to produce laccases, which play a role in the decomposition of refractory lignocellulosic matter in composting. This family of mushrooms has also been studied for its large-scale polyphyly, with evidence suggesting that the genus Psathyrella is polyphyletic, while Psathyrellaceae is monophyletic and composed of at least 13 clades.
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Poisonous mushrooms can grow in your garden
Mushrooms are a natural part of a functioning ecosystem and can grow in many places, including your garden. Fungi favour darkness, humidity, and organic material, so they are likely to grow in places with decomposing tree stumps, thatch, fallen leaves, grass clippings, or animal waste. While mushrooms can be beneficial to your lawn, providing additional nutrients to the soil, some mushrooms can be poisonous and pose a danger to pets and children.
There are more than 10,000 known mushroom species, and it can be difficult to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. Many poisonous mushrooms bear a resemblance to edible species, so it is important to be cautious and take care when identifying mushrooms in your garden. If you are unsure, it is best to remove and discard the mushrooms carefully. You can do this by cutting off the fruiting bodies with a sharp knife, wearing gloves to protect yourself. After removing the mushrooms, you can apply a mix of 5 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 gallon of water to the areas where the mushrooms were to prevent them from growing back.
In the UK, some of the most toxic mushrooms include the death angel mushroom and the death cap mushroom. Other poisonous mushrooms include the autumn skullcap mushroom, which can be deadly if eaten, and the two species of webcap: the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), which are similar in appearance to each other and to several edible varieties. If you think you have eaten a poisonous mushroom, the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms typically occurs 6-24 hours after consumption, frequently leading to an initial misdiagnosis of food poisoning or the stomach flu.
Unless you are absolutely certain that you can identify a mushroom as edible, do not eat it. Even if a mushroom is not harmful to your garden, it could be toxic to humans or pets if ingested.
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Amanita muscaria: deadly or not?
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a highly poisonous mushroom. It is distinctive in appearance, with a red, orange or yellow cap covered with small white plaques, and is often likened to the 'prototypical toadstool' featured in fairy tales.
The toxins in Amanita muscaria are primarily ibotenic acid and muscimol, which have psychoactive effects. These chemicals can induce hallucinations, illusions, slurred incoherent speech, seizures, severe nausea and vomiting, transient deep sleep or coma, and headaches. While deaths are uncommon, illnesses from mushroom ingestion are not rare. It is important that intake of Amanita muscaria does not cause damage to organs, and subsequent gastrointestinal disorders with vomiting have been reported inconsistently.
Amanita muscaria has a long history of being used in religion, particularly in Asia, where it has been consumed for its psychedelic effects for over 4,000 years. In recent years, its consumption has increased among young people due to its hallucinogenic properties.
Despite its toxicity, Amanita muscaria is not considered deadly. However, it can sometimes be mistaken for edible species, and accidental poisoning can occur. It is important to note that poisonous mushrooms can grow in many places, including gardens, and it is wise to be cautious when foraging for wild mushrooms.
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How to identify poisonous mushrooms
Identifying poisonous mushrooms is a crucial skill for anyone who forages or comes into contact with wild mushrooms, as consuming certain types can have severe health consequences. Here are some instructive guidelines on how to recognize and avoid poisonous mushrooms:
Examine the Mushroom's Features: Pay close attention to the mushroom's physical characteristics. Poisonous mushrooms often have distinct features that set them apart. Look for mushrooms with white gills, a ringless stem, a skirt or cup at the base, a bulbous base, or a pungent odour. These are signs that the mushroom could be toxic. For example, the deadly Galerina marginata has a skirt-like cup at its base, while the poisonous Amanita phalloides has white gills and a bulbous base.
Be Wary of Spike or Spike-like Structures: While not all spikey mushrooms are poisonous, it's important to exercise caution. Some toxic mushrooms have spike-like structures, such as the dangerously toxic Amanita ocreata, which has a sac-like volva that can resemble a spike. Always refrain from consuming mushrooms with spike-like features unless you are absolutely certain they are safe.
Colour and Texture: Bright colours in mushrooms often serve as a warning sign to potential consumers. While not all colourful mushrooms are toxic, it's best to avoid those with vivid reds, oranges, or greens, as many poisonous species use colour as a defence mechanism. Also, be cautious of mushrooms with slimy or sticky surfaces, as this is often indicative of toxic compounds.
Know Your Safe Species: Instead of solely focusing on poisonous mushrooms, educate yourself about the safe, edible species in your region. Learn about their unique characteristics and habitats. This way, you can confidently identify mushrooms that are safe to consume. For example, the common and edible Agaricus campestris, or field mushroom, has a distinctive appearance with a white, gilled underside and a smooth, brown cap.
Use Field Guides and Expert Advice: Carry a reliable field guide when you're out foraging, and carefully compare the mushrooms you find with the descriptions and images in the guide. Cross-reference with multiple sources to be sure. Additionally, seek advice from local mycological societies or experts who can provide region-specific knowledge and help you identify mushrooms accurately.
Remember, the consequences of consuming poisonous mushrooms can be severe, including organ failure and death. Always exercise caution, and when in doubt, throw it out. Developing your mushroom identification skills through practice and study will ensure you can safely enjoy the wonders of wild mushroom foraging.
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Only a few poisonous mushrooms are fatal
Out of the approximately 100,000 known fungi species worldwide, only about 100 are poisonous to humans. Of these 70-80 species, only a few are actually fatal when ingested. However, many of these deadly fungi bear a resemblance to edible species, making them especially dangerous. For example, the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is often mistaken for edible straw mushrooms or caesar's mushrooms. Its amatoxins are heat-stable and quickly damage cells throughout the body, leading to violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea. Other mushrooms with similar effects include some species of Galerina, Lepiota, and Conocybe.
Another example is the autumn skullcap mushroom (Galerina marginata), which is sometimes mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms. In 1981, one fatality and two hospitalizations occurred after consuming this mushroom. The two species of webcap, the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), are also similar in appearance to edible varieties. These mushrooms feature a poison known as orellanin, which initially causes flu-like symptoms.
In addition to these, the highly toxic ergot Claviceps purpurea, which grows on rye, can be ground up and consumed unknowingly, leading to fatal effects called ergotism. Cases of idiosyncratic reactions to fungi can also occur, sometimes due to allergies or sensitivities. Some mushrooms might concentrate toxins from their growth substrate, such as Chicken of the Woods growing on yew trees.
It is important to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms and only eat those purchased from a reputable source. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention. Contact poison control or a medical professional immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all spikey mushrooms are necessarily poisonous. However, it is important to accurately identify the specific type of mushroom before consumption, as some poisonous mushrooms can be deadly.
To identify a spikey mushroom, observe the colour, size, shape, and texture. Look for gills, pores, or spikes under the cap. If the gills are dark, it may be a member of the Psathyrellaceae family, which includes some poisonous varieties. You can also bruise the cap; if it stains bright chrome yellow, it is likely poisonous.
Some well-known poisonous mushrooms include the death angel, death cap, deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus), fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), and autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata). Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric, is also considered poisonous but can be detoxified and consumed safely in some cultures.
If you come across spikey mushrooms, especially in areas accessible to children or pets, it is essential to remove and discard them carefully. Do not consume any mushrooms unless you are certain they are safe.
