Sarah Brown
Toadstools and mushrooms are both types of fungi that grow in similar environments and share the same reproductive process. However, the two terms are often used to distinguish between edible and inedible fungi, with mushroom typically referring to edible varieties and toadstool used for inedible or poisonous ones. While this distinction is not scientifically accepted, it is important to note that consuming the wrong types of fungi can have serious health consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Distinction | There is no scientific distinction between toadstools and mushrooms |
| Common Usage | Mushrooms are considered edible, toadstools are considered inedible or poisonous |
| Habitat | Mushrooms are found in fields, toadstools in the woods |
| Colour | Mushrooms are white-capped, toadstools are more colourful |
| Shape | Toadstools are shaped like a parasol |
| Etymology | The word mushroom may be derived from the French word mousseron, the word toadstool may be derived from German or Old Norse |
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What You'll Learn
Toadstools are often poisonous, while mushrooms are often edible
While there is no scientific distinction between toadstools and mushrooms, the two terms are used to refer to different types of fungi in common parlance. Toadstools are typically believed to be inedible or toxic, whereas mushrooms are generally considered edible.
The word "toadstool" is believed to have originated sometime between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is thought to refer to fairy tales and folk tales in which toads were depicted sitting on toadstools. The term "toad" may also be derived from the German or Old Norse word "tote", meaning death, while "stool" comes from "stole" or "stol", meaning chair or seat. Thus, a toadstool could be interpreted as a "death seat".
Toadstools are often brightly coloured species that grow in the woods, whereas mushrooms are typically white-capped species found in fields. Toadstools usually have a different-coloured cap with scales and raised lumps, while the caps of mushrooms are predominantly white or off-white and smooth. The gills of a true mushroom are attached to the cap, so when the stalk is removed, the gills remain with the cap. In contrast, the gills of toadstools stay attached to the stalk. The base of the stem of a true mushroom is narrower than the rest of the stalk, whereas toadstools have a swollen base.
It is important to note that the distinction between toadstools and mushrooms based on edibility is not clear-cut. Some toadstools may be edible, and some mushrooms may be poisonous. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify the species before consumption. Molecular classification is considered the most reliable method for distinguishing between edible and poisonous fungi.
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Toadstools are more colourful and grow in the woods
While there is no scientific distinction between toadstools and mushrooms, the two terms are used to refer to different types of fungi in common speech. Toadstools are often more colourful and grow in the woods, whereas mushrooms tend to be white-capped and grow in fields.
The word "mushroom" is used to describe tasty and edible fungi, usually shaped like an umbrella. The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, with a stem, a cap, and gills on the underside of the cap. However, the term "mushroom" is quite loose, and not all mushrooms have gills. Some have pores or spines instead.
Toadstools, on the other hand, are typically used to refer to inedible or poisonous species of fungi. They are often believed to be the identical twins of mushrooms, with similar appearances but potentially deadly consequences if consumed. Toadstools are usually more colourful and grow in woods or under trees and shrubs, rather than in open fields. They get their name from ancient folk tales, where they were believed to be poisonous, large-capped mushrooms on which toads would rest. The term "toadstool" may also derive from the German or Old Norse words "tote" (death) and "stole" or "stol" (chair/seat/stool).
It is important to note that the distinction between edible and poisonous fungi is not always clear-cut. Some sources suggest that toadstools can cause minor gastrointestinal infections, psychosomatic issues like confusion and anxiety, or even death. However, others argue that any old wives' tales or rules of thumb about identifying edible mushrooms, such as "if you can peel the cap, it's safe to eat," are unreliable and can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully identify the species of a fungus before consuming it.
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Mushrooms are usually white-capped and grow in fields
There is no scientific distinction between toadstools and mushrooms. However, the two terms are used to describe specific types of fungi. While mushrooms are typically edible, toadstools are often poisonous. Toadstools are more colourful species that grow in the woods, whereas mushrooms are usually white-capped and grow in fields.
The shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus) is another common mushroom that grows in grasslands, fields, lawns, gravel roads, and disturbed ground. When young, the mushroom has a white, oval to cylindrical cap covered with shaggy scales. As it ages, the cap expands and turns darker until it is almost black.
The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is another species of mushroom that grows in the wild and is cultivated commercially worldwide. This mushroom has a broad, smooth cap in the shape of a fan or oyster. Its colour can be white, grey, tan, or dark brown. The oyster mushroom's gills are white to cream and descend on the stipe.
While mushrooms are typically considered edible, it is important to correctly identify them before consumption as some species are poisonous. It is recommended to refer to a quality identification guide and compare the characteristics of the mushroom (colour, size, shape, pores/gills/spines, spore colour, flesh colour, habitat, season, etc.) to ensure accurate identification.
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Toadstool etymology: from German or Old Norse, or French?
The words "toadstool" and "mushroom" are used to refer to different varieties of fungus. While toadstools are colourful species that grow in the woods and are believed to be inedible or poisonous, mushrooms are white-capped species that grow in fields and are safe and edible. However, there is no scientific distinction between the two.
The exact origin of the term "toadstool" is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed that people began using the term between 1400 and 1600 AD. The word "toadstool" is most likely a reference to fairy tales and folk tales about toads sitting on toadstools. The term "toadstool" was derived from the Middle English "tadde" or "toad", which refers to a toad, and "stole", which means "stool" or "seat". The toad was long regarded as loathsome and malevolent, and toads were known to be carriers of toxins and diseases. The term "toadstool" was thus popularly restricted to poisonous or inedible fungi, as distinct from edible mushrooms.
The Proto-Germanic root of "stole", *stōla-, is the source of Old Norse "stoll", which means "stool" or "seat". The Old Norse root, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic *sta-, which means "to stand, make or be firm". The word "toadstool" may have also come from the Old English "stole", which means "long garment, robe, or a scarf-like garment worn around the neck or over the shoulder by clergymen". This root is also derived from the Proto-Germanic *sta-.
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Toadstools and mushrooms reproduce in the same way
Toadstools and mushrooms are both types of fungi that reproduce in the same way. They are the "visible fruiting" of a larger underground fungal network called mycelium. The goal of toadstools and mushrooms is to create and
Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs in response to adverse environmental conditions. During sexual reproduction, two haploid cells fuse, leading to a dikaryotic stage where two haploid nuclei coexist in a single cell. The haploid nuclei then fuse to form a diploid zygote nucleus. Finally, meiosis takes place in the gametangia, where gametes of different mating types are generated.
Asexual reproduction involves the production of spores that disperse from the parent organism by floating on the wind or hitching a ride on an animal. Some mushrooms, like the giant puffball, burst open and release trillions of spores. Other mushrooms, like the Clathrus ruber, use insects to disperse their spores. The spores liquefy and are impregnated in the body of insects that are attracted to the mushroom's nauseating odour.
While toadstools and mushrooms reproduce in the same way, they are often perceived differently. In common speech, toadstools refer to toxic, poisonous, or inedible fungi, while mushrooms refer to tasty and edible fungi. However, there is no scientific distinction between the two, and the terms are used interchangeably in different parts of the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Scientifically speaking, there is no difference between a toadstool and a mushroom. However, in common parlance, toadstools are believed to be inedible or toxic, whereas mushrooms are considered edible.
Toadstools and mushrooms are both fungi that reproduce by releasing spores. The spores are located underneath the cap inside the gills. When the spores are loosened, they are carried by the wind, raindrops, or falling debris.
The word "toadstool" first appeared in 14th-century England, referring to a "stool" for toads. It is believed that the term originates from German or Old Norse, with "toad" coming from tote (meaning death) and "stool" from "stole" or "stol" (meaning chair or seat).
