John Miller
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in Pennsylvania, but it comes with serious risks. Many wild mushrooms are toxic, and some are deadly. Even experienced foragers can misidentify mushrooms, as some poisonous varieties closely resemble non-poisonous ones. Knowing what you're picking is critical, and eating the wrong mushroom can have severe consequences. Foraging is also restricted on many public lands, so it's important to understand the rules about where you can and cannot collect mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom picking rules and regulations in Pennsylvania | Picking wild mushrooms is restricted on many public lands, but some areas allow gathering for personal use. |
| Mushroom picking in National Parks | Picking mushrooms is allowed in some National Parks. There are currently no National Parks in Pennsylvania. |
| Mushroom picking in Pittsburgh City Parks | Foraging is not allowed. City ordinances prohibit removing any plants, trees, or natural materials from parks. |
| Mushroom picking in Allegheny County Parks | Removing plants (including mushrooms) is prohibited unless you have written permission. |
| Mushroom picking in Pennsylvania State Parks | Personal foraging is allowed in reasonable amounts, but commercial harvesting is prohibited. |
| Mushroom picking in Pennsylvania State Forests | The same rules as state parks apply: personal-use foraging is allowed, but commercial foraging is not. |
| Mushroom picking in PA Game Commission Lands | Mushrooms can be foraged, but rules may vary by location, so always check. |
| Mushroom picking in Allegheny National Forest | Personal-use foraging is allowed up to 8 liters (2 gallons) plus one extra mushroom per adult per day. Anything beyond that requires a free permit. |
| Toxic and poisonous mushrooms in Pennsylvania | Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Fool's Funnel, Poison Paxillus, Deadly Galerina, Yellow Stainer, False Morel, Fly Agaric, Banded Mottlegill |
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What You'll Learn
Rules and regulations for mushroom picking in Pennsylvania
Mushroom picking is restricted on many public lands in Pennsylvania, but some areas do allow gathering for personal use. The rules vary depending on the location and type of land, and different rules may apply for personal and commercial harvesting. It is important to check the specific regulations for the area you plan to visit before foraging for mushrooms.
City Parks
Foraging is generally prohibited in city parks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. City ordinances, such as the City Code § 473.01(a)(3) and § 473.01(b)(1), prohibit the removal of natural resources, including plants, trees, and other materials, from parks.
Allegheny County Parks
Similar to city parks, removing plants (including mushrooms) from Allegheny County Parks is prohibited unless you have written permission. The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club (WPMC) obtains annual permission for guided mushroom walks, but this does not apply to individuals.
Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests
Personal foraging is allowed in reasonable amounts in Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests, but commercial harvesting is prohibited. You must not collect mushrooms listed as threatened, endangered, rare, or vulnerable.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Lands
Mushroom foraging is permitted on Pennsylvania Game Commission lands, but specific rules may vary by location. Always check with the local regulations before foraging.
Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest. Personal-use foraging is allowed up to 8 liters (2 gallons) plus one extra mushroom per adult per day. For larger quantities, a free permit is required.
Regulations for Selling Foraged Mushrooms
The FDA has strict regulations regarding the sale of foraged mushrooms. In Pennsylvania, foragers or harvesters of wild mushrooms intended for sale must first be approved by the Department's Bureau of Food Safety & Laboratory Services. This approval requires completing one of two accepted mushroom identification courses, holding a Master's degree or higher in Mycology, or obtaining written verification from a recognised mushroom expert.
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Toxic and deadly mushrooms in Pennsylvania
Mushroom foraging is a rewarding activity that is growing in popularity in Pennsylvania. However, it is not without its risks. Some mushrooms are toxic, and even deadly, so it is critical to know what you are picking. Misidentification is a serious issue, and some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble safe ones.
The Destroying Angel, for example, is a toxic mushroom that is so deadly that just a pinch will eventually kill. First, the victim will experience cramps and diarrhea, followed by a false remission, and then severe and irreversible damage to the liver and kidneys. Poisoning by the Destroying Angel usually occurs when they are accidentally collected with edible mushrooms, such as the common field mushroom.
The Galerina is another deadly mushroom found in Pennsylvania. Poisoning by the Galerina also occurs when foragers mistake them for edible mushrooms such as the honey mushroom and velvet stem mushroom. Just one pinch from the cap of the Galerina carries enough toxin to kill five men.
The Death Cap is involved in many cases of poisoning because of its similarity to several edible mushrooms, like the paddy straw and edible puffballs. Half a cap, or about an ounce, is enough to kill. The Death Cap contains amatoxins, a group of bicyclic polypeptides that cause tissue damage by inhibiting RNA synthesis within cells. Amatoxins cause 95% of fatalities from mushroom poisoning worldwide and several deaths in North America every year.
Other toxic and deadly mushrooms found in Pennsylvania include the Fool's Funnel, Poison Paxillus, False Morels, Funeral Bells, Sulphur Tufts, and Poison Pies.
It is important to note that foraging rules and regulations vary across different areas in Pennsylvania. While personal foraging is allowed in reasonable amounts in some state parks and forests, it is prohibited in others, such as Pittsburgh City Parks and Allegheny County Parks. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific rules and regulations for the area before foraging.
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Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
Mushroom foraging is a rewarding activity, but it comes with risks. Pennsylvania is home to several deadly mushrooms, and misidentification is a serious issue. Some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties, and ingesting even a tiny amount of certain toxins can be fatal.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary depending on the toxin ingested. Many poisonous mushrooms cause gastrointestinal illness, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, even mild nausea could be an early sign of severe illness, so medical evaluation is always recommended.
Other symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include heavy salivation, sweating, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. In severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to organ failure and even death. The toxin in the death cap mushroom, for example, fatally harms the liver and kidneys, and death can occur within 48 hours.
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How to identify edible mushrooms
Mushroom picking can be dangerous in Pennsylvania, as some wild mushrooms can be toxic or even deadly. It is important to know which mushrooms are safe to pick and consume. Here are some tips on how to identify edible mushrooms:
- Consult an expert: Mushroom picking can be risky, so it is recommended to consult a knowledgeable expert, such as a professional mycologist or a local mushroom expert, before consuming any foraged mushrooms. They can help you identify edible mushrooms and avoid poisonous ones.
- Use field guides and books: Purchase a mushroom field guide specific to your region or area. These guides provide illustrations, descriptions, and tips on identifying similar-looking mushroom species. Some books also offer additional information on mushroom behaviour and habitat to aid in identification.
- Observe and learn: Pay attention to the appearance of mushrooms in your area and learn to identify common edible and poisonous varieties. Take note of characteristics such as cap colour, gills, stem features, and odour. For example, edible mushrooms typically have brown or tan gills, while those with white gills are often deadly.
- Check regulations: Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding mushroom foraging in your area. In Pennsylvania, foraging is allowed in some places for personal use but prohibited in certain parks and protected areas. Always respect the land and follow the local guidelines.
- Exercise caution: Do not ingest a mushroom unless you are absolutely certain it is edible. If you experience any adverse symptoms after consuming a mushroom, seek medical help immediately. Even a small amount of certain poisonous mushrooms can lead to severe health issues.
- Separate identified and unidentified mushrooms: When foraging, bring two baskets. Place the mushrooms you are confident are edible in one basket and those you are unsure about in the other. This practice helps ensure that you do not accidentally consume unidentified mushrooms.
Remember, mushroom identification can be complex, and misidentification can have serious consequences. Always prioritize safety and seek expert guidance when in doubt.
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Where to pick mushrooms in Pennsylvania
Mushroom picking in Pennsylvania is a rewarding activity, but it comes with risks. Some mushrooms are toxic, and even deadly, so it is critical to know what you are picking. Before you start, it is important to understand the rules about where you can and cannot forage.
Picking wild mushrooms is restricted on many public lands in Pennsylvania, but some areas do allow gathering for personal use. National Parks are among the places where mushroom picking is allowed, but there are no National Parks in Pennsylvania.
The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club (WPMC) gets annual permission for guided mushroom walks, but this doesn't apply to individuals. Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests allow personal-use foraging in reasonable amounts, but not commercial harvesting. The same rules apply to the Allegheny National Forest, where you can forage up to 8 litres (2 gallons) plus one extra mushroom per adult per day. Anything beyond that requires a free permit.
Foraging is prohibited in Pittsburgh City Parks and Allegheny County Parks, unless you have written permission.
When to Pick Mushrooms in Pennsylvania
Mushroom season in Pennsylvania runs from early spring through late fall, but some species have specific growing seasons. For example, true morels are rare and have a short growing season. They are typically found in damp forests and woods or near dead and decaying trees such as elm, ash, oak, maple, and sycamore.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom picking is allowed in some areas of Pennsylvania, but not in all. For example, foraging is not allowed in Pittsburgh City Parks, but is permitted in Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests for personal use.
Some common and easily identifiable mushrooms in Pennsylvania include Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Shrimp of the Woods.
There are many poisonous mushrooms in Pennsylvania, including the Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Fool's Funnel, Poison Paxillus, False Morel, and Fly Agaric.
If you eat a questionable mushroom and start feeling unwell, seek medical help immediately. Bring a picture of the mushroom with you to help identify it and receive appropriate treatment. You can also call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary but may include heavy salivation, sweating, stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and breathing difficulty. In some cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to liver and kidney failure.
