Sarah Brown
Red mushrooms have been a source of fascination for humans for thousands of years, featuring in ancient cave paintings, classical Chinese medicine texts, and shamanic rituals. They are also widely recognised from their appearances in popular culture, from children's picture books to video games. Despite their bright, striking appearances, not all red mushrooms are safe. Some are among the most poisonous mushrooms, while others are edible and even offer potential health benefits. So, what does it mean when you see a red mushroom?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Fly Agaric, Fly Amanita, Poison Fire Coral, Ox Tongue, Beefsteak, Bloody Milk Cap, Bloody Brittlegill, Rosy Brittlegill |
| Appearance | Bright red cap with white spots, white gills, white stem, coral-like branches, egg-shaped when young |
| Size | 8-20 cm in diameter, larger specimens have been found |
| Edibility | Some red mushrooms are edible, some are poisonous, and some are non-toxic but lack culinary interest |
| Smell | Mildly earthy, pleasant aroma reminiscent of apricot or coconut |
| Habitat | Temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, Africa |
| Toxicity | Can cause poisoning, cardiac arrest, and death |
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What You'll Learn
Red mushrooms: toxic or edible?
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. They can sprout in lawns, seemingly out of nowhere, and create beautiful clusters of red and orange hues. However, only some varieties of red mushrooms are edible, while others are among the most poisonous mushrooms.
One of the deadliest poisonous red mushrooms is the poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae). It is the only toxic mushroom whose toxins can be absorbed through the skin, causing inflammation and dermatitis. Ingesting this mushroom can cause cardiac arrest and even death. It is identified by its red colour, sometimes with orange hues, and coral-like branches that emerge from the earth, resembling flames. It thrives in Asia and Australia and is often found near mulch, decomposing plants, soil, and wood chips.
Another highly toxic red mushroom is Amanita phalloides, also known as the death cap. It is perhaps the deadliest mushroom in the world and is found throughout Europe. It resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms, and its heat-stable amatoxins quickly damage cells throughout the body, even after cooking.
Other deadly red mushrooms include the two species of poisonous webcap: the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus). These mushrooms contain the toxin orellanin, which initially causes flu-like symptoms but can lead to kidney failure and death if untreated.
On the other hand, some red mushrooms are edible and even offer health benefits. The red reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been referenced in classical Chinese medicine texts and scientific literature for its health benefits. It is typically consumed in capsule or extract powder form. However, due to its popularity, there is an influx of fake or mislabelled supplements on the market, so consumers should be cautious when purchasing reishi products.
Another edible red mushroom is Fistulina hepatica, commonly known as ox tongue due to its size and shape. It is also called beefsteak because of its meat-like texture and red fluid that resembles blood. This mushroom is common in Europe, especially in forested areas, and can also be found in North America, Africa, and Australia during the late summer to fall season. It is a rare treat for foragers as it is not cultivated commercially.
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large, conspicuous mushroom with a bright red cap and white spots. It is considered both edible and toxic. While it can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects, fatal poisonings are extremely rare. It is currently being studied for its potential health benefits.
In summary, while some red mushrooms are edible and offer health benefits, others are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. It is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them and to seek guidance from reliable sources to avoid potentially fatal consequences.
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Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric
Fly agaric is native to temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, forming symbiotic relationships with various trees. Its name derives from its traditional use as an insecticide. It was common on Christmas cards in Victorian and Edwardian times as a symbol of good luck, and its colours are thought to have inspired Santa Claus's red and white suit.
Fly agaric is infamous for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties, caused by psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare. In the "old world", the mushroom has been closely associated with northern European and Asiatic shamans and their rituals. Researchers have documented its use by numerous cultures throughout Europe and Asia.
Amanita muscaria exhibits complex genetic diversity that suggests it is a species complex rather than a single species. German mycologist Rolf Singer listed three subspecies, while a 2006 molecular phylogenetic study found three distinct clades representing Eurasian, Eurasian "subalpine", and North American populations.
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Red mushroom folklore
The red and white-spotted Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is a mushroom with a rich history in folklore and mythology. Its distinctive appearance—a bright red cap with white spots—and its hallucinogenic properties have made it a feature of stories and beliefs in various cultures worldwide.
In Slavic cultures, the fly agaric is one of the most revered mushrooms in folklore. It is often depicted in folk art and is believed to possess magical properties. The mushroom is tied to Veles, the ancient Slavic deity of the earth, waters, forests, and underworld. In Slavic folklore, Veles is often depicted as a horned god, and it is believed that he gave the fly agaric mushroom as a gift to humans. In return, people would leave the first mushroom they found in the forest as an offering to Veles.
The fly agaric is also referenced in the folklore of Siberian tribes, where it is used ceremonially by shamans. One tale from the Koryak tribe of northeastern Siberia centres on a creature called the Big Raven, who eats the fly agaric mushroom and begins to feel euphoric and has visions. Consuming the mushroom also gives him the strength to lift a whale and carry it out to sea. The people of the Koryak tribe would ingest the fly agaric to experience similar visions. Siberian shamans also have a tradition of dressing in red robes with white spots in honour of the mushrooms they harvest for religious rituals.
The fly agaric has been a popular icon for Midwinter and Christmas festivities in central Europe, appearing on Christmas cards and as replica decorations. Its colours are thought to have been the inspiration for Santa Claus's red-and-white suit. The Siberian use of the fly agaric may also have played a part in the development of the Santa Claus legend. At midwinter festivals, the shaman would enter the yurt through the smoke hole, bringing with him a bag of dried fly agaric.
In addition to its role in Slavic and Siberian folklore, the fly agaric is also associated with Japanese folklore. The red-capped and white-spotted mushroom is often depicted alongside Tanuki, the raccoon dog, a popular figure in Japanese folklore.
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Poisonous red mushrooms to avoid
Mushrooms are fascinating fungi that come in a variety of shapes and colours, with red mushrooms being particularly eye-catching. While some red mushrooms are edible, others are highly poisonous and should be avoided at all costs. Here are some poisonous red mushrooms that you should steer clear of:
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
The Fly Agaric mushroom, also known as Amanita muscaria, is easily recognisable by its bright red cap with distinctive white spots and white gills. It can grow up to 30 cm wide and is commonly found in woodland areas, particularly among birch, pine, or spruce trees. While it is not often fatal, consuming this mushroom can cause poisoning, with symptoms including dizziness, disorientation, convulsions, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and sweating.
Poison Fire Coral (Podostroma cornu-damae)
The Poison Fire Coral is one of the deadliest red mushrooms in the world. It is identified by its red colour, sometimes with orange hues, and coral-like branches. This mushroom thrives in Asia and Australia and is often found near mulch, decomposing plants, soil, and wood chips. Its toxins can be absorbed through the skin, making it extremely dangerous.
Deadly Dapperling (Lepiota brunneoincarnata)
The Deadly Dapperling is a gilled mushroom that contains amatoxins. It is widely distributed throughout Europe and parts of Asia. While poisonings from this mushroom are not very common, it bears a resemblance to edible varieties, making it potentially dangerous if mistaken for a safe mushroom.
Fistulina hepatica
Also known as "ox tongue" or "beefsteak", this red mushroom is parasitic and saprophytic. It grows on tree species such as chestnut and oak and is commonly found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. While Fistulina hepatica is edible, it is important to exercise caution as some similar-looking mushrooms may be poisonous.
In general, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as some can be highly toxic and dangerous. Always consult multiple sources or seek the advice of a professional forager to ensure the safe identification of edible mushrooms.
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Edible red mushrooms
While red mushrooms are highly fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes, only some varieties are edible. For instance, the Fistulina hepatica, also known as Ox Tongue or Beefsteak, is an edible red mushroom species. It has a crimson colour and a peculiar shape, and is parasitic and saprophytic, growing on tree species such as chestnut and oak. It is common in Europe, especially in forested areas, and can also be found in North America, Africa, and Australia. Ox Tongue has a sour and acidic taste, becoming stronger as the mushroom grows, and is one of the few mushroom species that can be consumed raw. It is often prepared in cream-based recipes. As the mushroom ages, its colour changes from red to brown, and it becomes softer and more gelatinous.
Another edible red mushroom is Jackson's Slender Amanita, which is known for its tall, slender yellow stem supporting a rounded, brilliant red cap. This mushroom forms a mutually beneficial relationship with the roots of hardwood tree species, especially oaks. It can be found in the ground of hardwood forests from late summer to early autumn. However, it is often misidentified with highly toxic species from the same family, such as Amanita muscaria and Amanita phalloides, so foragers must be very confident in their identification.
While Amanita muscaria is usually considered toxic, some sources suggest that it can be detoxified and made edible by boiling and discarding the cooking water, a method used by the Sami people through reindeer. Amanita muscaria is commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita and is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world and is native to the Northern Hemisphere's temperate and boreal forests.
It is important to note that the line between poisonous and edible red mushrooms is often thin, and they may look similar to the untrained eye. Therefore, it is crucial to get your facts straight before consuming any red mushroom.
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Frequently asked questions
Red mushrooms are often associated with toxicity, but this is not always the case. Some red mushrooms are edible, while others are poisonous.
Poison Fire Coral, Russula Emetics, Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric), and the Bloody Brittlegill are all examples of poisonous red mushrooms.
Fistulina hepatica, also known as Ox Tongue or Beefsteak, is an edible red mushroom. The Bloody Milk Cap is another example of an edible red mushroom.
The only way to know if a mushroom is poisonous or edible is to identify it. You can do this by referring to mushroom identification guides or forums. There are also some general rules to follow: avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous base. Also, treat any mushroom with red on the cap, stem, or pores as poisonous.
The red colour of mushrooms is thought to serve as a warning signal to potential predators, indicating toxicity or inedibility. In nature, this phenomenon is known as aposemism, which involves the use of bright colours to deter predators.
