John Miller
Foraging for mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it is important to know how to identify which ones are safe to eat. Eating the wrong variety can have severe consequences, including illness, organ failure, and even death. There are several ways to identify edible mushrooms, such as their shape, colour, smell, and the type of tree they grow on. Some safe-to-eat mushrooms include puffballs, chanterelles, maitake, morels, and king boletes. However, it is crucial to be absolutely certain about the identity of a mushroom before consuming it. Beginners should seek guidance from experts or local mushroom hunting groups to learn how to identify and handle mushrooms properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Safe: White, Tan, Brown. Unsafe: Red, White with Tan or Brown spots |
| Shape | Safe: Globe-shaped, Wavy upturned edges, Column-like with flaky shingles. Unsafe: Sack-like base |
| Features | Unsafe: Scaling on cap, Ring around stem, Gills (in some cases) |
| Smell | Unsafe: Faint, honey-sweet smell |
| Location | Safe: Hardwood trees, Oak trees, Yew trees. Unsafe: Near busy roads |
| Time of Year | Safe: Fall, Winter. Unsafe: Summer |
| Spines/Gills | Safe: Dense spines, Shelf-like gills. Unsafe: Not completely hollow |
| Stem | Safe: Thickened where it joins the cap. Unsafe: Skirting on the stem |
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What You'll Learn
Safe and unsafe colours
When it comes to identifying mushrooms, it is important to remember that there are many types of poisonous mushrooms that can cause severe sickness and even death. If you are ever unsure, do not eat the mushroom. It is recommended to only forage for mushrooms with someone who is highly experienced at identifying edible varieties.
Some general rules for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include avoiding those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. Mushrooms with red on the cap or stem should also be avoided, as many red mushrooms are poisonous. Mushrooms that are white all over should be treated with extreme caution and only identified by an expert.
Safe mushrooms for novice foragers include the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, Porcelain Fungus, Cauliflower Fungus, Dryads Saddle, Hedgehog Fungus, Truffle (if not growing on a Yew tree), and Wood Ears (if growing on elder). These mushrooms have no dangerous lookalikes and are quite safe to eat.
Chanterelles are often recommended for beginner foragers as they are easily identifiable. They have a yellow to golden-yellow colour with wavy, upturned edges and a stalk shaped like a trumpet. However, some sources claim that their features can be subtle and may not be beginner-friendly.
Another mushroom that is safe to consume is the Hen-of-the-Woods or maitake (Grifola frondosa). It does not have gills, and the underside of its cap has tiny pores, which are smallest at the edges. However, older specimens that are orange or reddish in colour may be contaminated with bacteria or mould and should be avoided. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are also safe and commonly eaten.
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Safe and unsafe shapes
When it comes to identifying mushrooms, it is important to be cautious. Many wild mushrooms are nutritious and safe to eat, but some pose serious health risks and can even be deadly. Foraging for mushrooms is best done with an experienced guide.
There are some rules of thumb to help identify safe and unsafe mushrooms. However, these are not hard and fast rules, and some edible mushrooms may be missed using these guidelines. Mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous base (volva) should be avoided. This helps rule out the deadly Amanita family, which includes the Destroying Angel, one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. Mushrooms with red on the cap or stem should also be avoided, and this includes the dangerous Funeral Bell, which grows on wood.
Safe mushrooms for novice foragers to look out for include the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, and the Hen-of-the-Woods, which is a favourite of mushroom hunters. The latter grows at the base of oak trees and resembles the tail feathers of a sitting hen. The Oyster mushroom is also safe to eat and can be found growing on dead or dying hardwood trees like beech and oak. It has an oyster-shaped cap and gills.
It is also important to consider the condition of the mushroom. Fresh mushrooms should be slightly shiny, but not slimy, and they should not be discoloured, smelly, or mouldy. They should be cooked and eaten within a few days of purchase.
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Safe and unsafe locations
There are no clear-cut rules for identifying poisonous mushrooms from edible ones. However, some guidelines can help distinguish between the two. Mushrooms from the Amanita family are among the deadliest in the world, and they can be identified by their white gills and bulbous or sack-like base. Some safe alternatives include the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, and Hedgehog Fungus, which have no dangerous lookalikes.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to be able to distinguish between safe and unsafe locations. Mushrooms that grow on certain types of trees can be safe to eat. For example, maitake mushrooms, also known as hen of the woods, grow at the base of hardwood trees like oaks. Morels, which are one of America's most popular mushrooms, grow in almost every state except Florida and Arizona, which are too hot and arid. They thrive in moist areas and can be found on ash, tulip, oak, hickory, sycamore, cottonwood, maple, beech, conifer, and apple trees. They can be identified by their honeycomb-patterned caps and white stems.
On the other hand, some mushrooms that grow on trees can be unsafe. For example, the Destroying Angel, a highly poisonous mushroom from the Amanita family, can be found on tree stumps. It has white gills and a white cup at its base. Similarly, the Funeral Bell, which grows on wood, is another deadly mushroom to avoid.
It is important to note that mushrooms can grow in various locations, including the ground and mulch in gardens. For example, the birch bolete, which is edible and tasty, can be found in northern Idaho. Additionally, some mushrooms, such as the bearded tooth or hedgehog mushroom, can be found growing on dead logs or very high in trees, up to 40 feet up the trunk.
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Safe and unsafe gills
While some mushrooms are safe to eat, others are toxic and can cause severe poisoning. It is important to be able to distinguish between the two.
Firstly, it is crucial to remember the golden rule of mushroom foraging: never eat a mushroom unless you are 100% sure it is safe. This is because edible and poisonous mushrooms often look very similar. For example, the Chanterelle mushroom has folds rather than gills, whereas the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom has gills and causes severe gastrointestinal distress. Another example is the Amanita family, some of which are edible and some of which are the most deadly poisonous mushrooms.
In general, the gills of mushrooms are safe to eat. However, it is important to consider the specific mushroom species, as some mushrooms are toxic, and their gills may contain harmful substances. Poisonous mushrooms may have gills that are brightly coloured, unusually shaped, or produce a distinctive spore print. They may also be crowded or widely spaced, and a different colour to those of edible mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms may also have stems that are bulbous, scaly, or have a ring, and a distinctive feature like a volva (cup-like structure at the base).
On the other hand, edible mushrooms typically have free or attached gills that are closely spaced, and the colour can range from white to various shades of pink, brown, or even green. Their stems are often cylindrical, solid, and firm, and may be smooth or have a fibrous texture.
To identify mushrooms, it is important to consider their colour, shape, and habitat. Having a field guide can help with foraging. Additionally, knowing the colour of the spore print can be very helpful as it helps narrow down the search by telling you what the mushroom isn't. A spore print can be obtained by removing the stem and placing the mushroom gills down on a piece of clear glass or paper overnight.
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Safe and unsafe stems
When it comes to mushroom stems, there are several indicators that can help you determine whether a mushroom is safe or unsafe to consume. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Safe Stems
Safe mushroom stems typically share a few common characteristics. Firstly, seek out mushrooms with white, tan, or brown stems. These colours are generally indicative of edible mushrooms. Additionally, look for stout stems with a skirt-like structure, often found in the Agaric family. Members of this family usually have pink to brown/black gills and a white cap. The Agaric family includes edible mushrooms such as the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, and Porcelain Fungus.
Another safe variety is the Hen-of-the-Woods mushroom, which is a favourite among novice mushroom foragers due to its distinct appearance and lack of dangerous lookalikes. This mushroom grows at the base of hardwood trees like oaks and has a grey-brown colour, resembling the ruffled tail feathers of a sitting hen. It does not have gills, and the underside of its cap is covered in tiny pores.
Unsafe Stems
On the other hand, there are also telltale signs that indicate a mushroom stem is unsafe. Avoid mushrooms with red on the stem or cap. Red mushrooms are using their colour as a natural warning sign to predators, including humans, to stay away. Mushrooms with white stems and black tops, such as those found in the Western Ghats, should also be treated with extreme caution and only identified by a mushroom expert.
Amanita mushrooms, some of the deadliest in the world, often have a sack-like base with skirting on the stem and a white cup at the base. These mushrooms, including the Death Cap variety, are highly toxic and can be found in Europe, North America, and Canada. False morels are another dangerous variety that closely resemble true morels but are not completely hollow when cut.
Remember, proper identification of wild mushrooms is crucial. If you are ever unsure about the edibility of a mushroom, it is best to leave it alone. Always prioritise your safety when foraging for mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to identify mushrooms that are safe to eat. Some common tips include:
- Avoiding mushrooms with red on the cap or stem, as many red mushrooms are poisonous.
- Avoiding mushrooms with scales, patches, or scaling of a lighter or darker shade on the cap, which may appear like spots.
- Avoiding mushrooms with a ring of tissue beneath the cap that resembles a mini-cap.
- Mushrooms with a globe-shaped white or pale tan cap and densely packed spines that brush off easily are puffballs. Cut them in half to check if they are pure white inside—if they are yellow or brown, they are not edible.
- Mushrooms with a tall, column-like cap and flaky shingles are shag mushrooms. However, avoid picking them near busy roads as they may be contaminated with car exhaust.
- Mushrooms with a yellow to golden-yellow colour and wavy, upturned edges are chanterelles. They are often found under hardwood trees and conifers in the fall to early spring.
- Mushrooms resembling the mane of a male lion or a pompom are Hericium erinaceus, also known as the bearded tooth, hedgehog, or pompom mushroom. They grow on hardwood trees in late summer and fall.
Additionally, here are some general guidelines:
- Always consult multiple guides and pictures as mushrooms can vary in appearance depending on their growing conditions.
- Learn about the mushroom families to help with identification.
- Join a local mycological group or take a class taught by a mushroom expert to learn how to identify and handle mushrooms properly.
- If you are ever unsure, do not eat the mushroom.
Some of the most poisonous mushrooms include:
- Amanita: Mushrooms in this family are among the deadliest in the world, with Amanita phalloides (death caps) being the most notorious. They have a 6-inch-wide cap that can be yellowish, brownish, whitish, or greenish, white gills, a 5-inch stalk, skirting on the stem, and a white cup at the base.
- False morels (Gyromitra esculenta and Gyromitra infula): These resemble true morels but are not completely hollow when cut.
- Conocybe filaris.
If you experience any adverse symptoms after consuming mushrooms, seek medical help immediately. Some symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include excessive salivation, tears, lactation, or sweating. These symptoms can progress rapidly and lead to visual disturbances, decreased blood pressure, or difficulty breathing. Do not be embarrassed to seek treatment—call emergency services right away if you notice any involuntary nervous system responses.
