John Miller
Ivory Funnel (Clitocybe dealbata) is a small white funnel-shaped basidiomycete fungus commonly found in lawns, meadows, and grassy areas in Europe and North America. It is also known as the sweating mushroom, derived from the symptoms of poisoning. The ivory funnel is toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other adverse health effects if consumed. It is often confused with edible mushrooms, increasing the risk of accidental consumption. The main toxic component is muscarine, which can cause nerve agent poisoning symptoms such as increased salivation, sweating, and tear production within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. With large doses, individuals may experience abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and labored breathing. While death is rare, severe cases can result in respiratory failure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Ivory Funnel |
| Scientific Name | Clitocybe dealbata |
| Cap Diameter | 2-4 cm |
| Cap Colour | White or ivory |
| Cap Shape | Flattened to depressed with adnate to decurrent crowded white gills |
| Stipe | 2-4 cm tall and 0.5-1 cm wide |
| Habitat | Lawns, meadows, and other grassy areas in Europe and North America |
| Toxicity | Contains potentially deadly levels of muscarine |
| Symptoms of Poisoning | Increased salivation, sweating, and tear production within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and labored breathing may also occur in larger doses. |
| Similar Species | False champignon (Clitocybe rivulosa), Fairy Ring Champignon (Marasmius oreades), Miller (Clitopilus prunulus) |
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What You'll Learn
Ivory funnel mushroom is toxic
The ivory funnel mushroom, or Clitocybe dealbata, is a toxic fungus that can be found in lawns, meadows, and grassy areas in Europe and North America. It is small, white, and funnel-shaped, with a cap diameter of 2-4 cm and a height of 2-4 cm. While it may appear innocuous, it contains toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other adverse health effects if consumed.
The ivory funnel mushroom is often confused with other similar-looking mushrooms, such as the false champignon (Clitocybe rivulosa) and the edible fairy ring champignon (Marasmius oreades). It is important to be able to distinguish the ivory funnel mushroom from these other species, as it is toxic and can cause serious health issues.
The main toxic component of the ivory funnel mushroom is muscarine, which can cause symptoms similar to nerve agent poisoning. These symptoms include increased salivation, sweating, and tear production within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. In large doses, these symptoms may be followed by abdominal pain, severe nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and labored breathing. While death is rare, it can occur in severe cases due to respiratory failure.
It is important to be able to properly identify the ivory funnel mushroom to avoid accidental consumption. Its cap is white, sometimes with buff-coloured rings or blotch marks, and it has a distinctive funnel shape. It is often found in grassy areas, where it can be encountered by children or pets, increasing the risk of accidental consumption.
Due to its toxic nature and the potential for severe health consequences, it is crucial to be able to identify the ivory funnel mushroom and take the necessary precautions to avoid consumption. It is always best to exercise caution and refrain from consuming any mushrooms that cannot be identified with certainty.
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It is often confused with edible mushrooms
The Ivory Funnel Mushroom (Clitocybe dealbata) is a toxic mushroom commonly found in grasslands and woodlands across Europe and North America. While it has a pleasing appearance with its white, funnel-shaped cap and delicate stature, it is a dangerous fungus, responsible for a number of poisonings and even fatalities. This is largely due to its close resemblance to a number of edible mushrooms, which often leads to accidental consumption.
One of the most similar edible mushrooms is the Field Mushroom (Agaricus campestris). This mushroom is a common, widely consumed species, and is often found in similar grassland habitats to the Ivory Funnel Mushroom. The key differences lie in the colour and shape of the caps, and the presence of a ring on the stem of the Field Mushroom, which the Ivory Funnel Mushroom lacks. The gills of the Field Mushroom are also a distinctive pinkish-brown colour, turning to a dark chocolate brown with age, whereas the gills of the Ivory Funnel Mushroom are whitish, becoming pale buff.
Another frequently confused species is the Wood Blewit (Lepista nuda). This edible mushroom has a similar colour and habitat, often growing in deciduous woodlands alongside the Ivory Funnel Mushroom. However, the Wood Blewit has a more vibrant purple-brown cap, and its gills are a distinctive lilac colour, in contrast to the pale gills of the Ivory Funnel Mushroom. Additionally, the Wood Blewit has a distinct earthy, fruity smell, whereas the Ivory Funnel Mushroom has a mild or slightly mealy odour.
Even experienced foragers can mistake the Ivory Funnel Mushroom for the edible Miller's Mushroom (Clitopilus prunulus). This look-alike species has a similar appearance, with a whitish, decurved cap and whitish gills. However, the Miller's Mushroom has a distinctive, pleasant smell of aniseed or almonds, and its gills are attached to a distinct, often swollen stem, whereas the gills of the Ivory Funnel Mushroom are attached directly to the cap and descend down it.
It is important to be able to distinguish between these similar-looking species, as consuming the Ivory Funnel Mushroom can lead to serious health issues. It contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea, and in some cases, can lead to death. Therefore, if you are ever unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to leave it alone.
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It is also known as Clitocybe dealbata
The ivory funnel mushroom, with the scientific name Clitocybe dealbata, is a small white or ivory-coloured funnel-shaped fungus. It is often found in grassy habitats in Europe and North America during the summer and autumn. It is also known as the 'sweating mushroom' or 'sweat-producing clitocybe' due to the symptoms of poisoning it causes. It is considered highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other adverse health effects if consumed.
Clitocybe dealbata was first described by British naturalist James Sowerby in 1799 as Agaricus dealbatus. The specific epithet 'dealbata' is derived from the Late Latin verb 'dealbare', meaning 'to whitewash'. This name evokes the Biblical "whited sepulchre", which is outwardly pleasing but inwardly toxic. The ivory funnel mushroom gained its current genus name in 1874 when it was reclassified by French naturalist Claude Casimir Gillet.
However, the validity of the name Clitocybe dealbata has been questioned. Some sources suggest that it may be synonymous with Clitocybe rivulosa, also known as the Fool's Funnel mushroom. The distinction between these two species is considered dubious, as the differences in their physical characteristics are minimal. Most authorities treat Clitocybe dealbata and Clitocybe rivulosa as the same species, with habitat being the main differentiating factor. Clitocybe dealbata is typically found in humus-rich grassland, while Clitocybe rivulosa occurs in sandy grassland, particularly coastal areas.
The ivory funnel mushroom has a cap size of 2-4 cm in diameter, which is flattened to depressed with adnate to decurrent crowded white gills. The stipe is 2-4 cm tall and 0.5-1 cm wide. It has no distinctive taste or smell, making it difficult to distinguish from other similar-looking mushrooms. It often forms fairy rings in grass, increasing the risk of accidental consumption by children or pets.
The main toxic component of Clitocybe dealbata is muscarine, which can cause symptoms similar to nerve agent poisoning, including increased salivation, sweating, and tears within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. It is important to be able to identify and avoid this toxic mushroom to prevent accidental poisoning.
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It has a distinctive appearance
The ivory funnel mushroom, or Clitocybe dealbata, is a small white or ivory-coloured funnel-shaped fungus. It is often found in grassy areas such as lawns, meadows, and pastures in Europe and North America. While it may appear innocuous, it is a toxic mushroom that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other adverse health effects if consumed.
The ivory funnel mushroom has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other mushrooms. It typically has a cap diameter of 2-4 cm, although some sources mention sizes up to 6 cm, and a stipe height of 2-4 cm and a width of 0.5-1 cm. The cap is initially convex and tends to flatten out with age, often developing a central depression. The cap is white when the mushroom is young, sometimes with a brownish translucent aspect, and becomes greyer or brownish as it matures. The gills of the ivory funnel mushroom are decurrent, running slightly down the stem, and are white or cream-coloured, sometimes with specks of pink. The margin of the cap is slightly inrolled, and the mushroom has a white spore print.
One of the key identification markers of the ivory funnel mushroom is the appearance of its cap. The cap is often powdered white, and as the mushroom matures, it may develop concentric rings or blotch marks that reveal the darker buff-coloured flesh beneath. These marks can also be cracks, depending on the condition of the mushroom. The cap shape is initially rounded, but it soon flattens out, forming the characteristic funnel shape associated with this species.
The ivory funnel mushroom is known for its toxic nature, and its distinctive appearance can help foragers and enthusiasts identify and avoid accidental consumption. It is important to note that even touching a poisonous mushroom will not cause harm, and ingestion is required for any adverse effects to occur. However, the saying "if you don't know it, then don't eat it" is always a good rule of thumb when it comes to mushroom identification and foraging.
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It grows in Europe and North America
The Ivory Funnel Mushroom (Clitocybe dealbata) is a toxic mushroom species commonly found in Europe and North America. This mushroom is a member of the Tricholomataceae family and is known for its distinctive appearance and its ability to grow in a variety of habitats. In terms of its geographical range, this mushroom can be found across much of Europe, including the UK, Scandinavia, and Central Europe. It is also present in North America, where it is most commonly found in the eastern part of the continent, including the United States and Canada.
The Ivory Funnel Mushroom thrives in a range of habitats, often favoring deciduous woodlands and forests. It has a preference for calcareous soils and is often found growing among leaf litter and decaying wood. In Europe, it is commonly associated with beech and oak trees, while in North America, it is often found in mixed woodlands with a variety of tree species. This mushroom is also adaptable and can sometimes be found in urban areas, such as parks and gardens, where suitable conditions are present.
The climate preferences of the Ivory Funnel Mushroom are also quite diverse. While it is typically associated with temperate regions, it can also be found in more continental climates. It tends to fruit in late summer and autumn, taking advantage of the cooler, moist conditions that prevail during these seasons. Adequate rainfall and moderate temperatures are important factors that influence the growth and distribution of this mushroom species.
One interesting aspect of the Ivory Funnel Mushroom's distribution is its association with specific microhabitats. In addition to its preference for calcareous soils, it often fruits in areas with good drainage and some exposure to sunlight. This can include clearings in woodlands, forest edges, and even disturbed areas where the soil has been exposed and allowed to dry out slightly. These microhabitat preferences can vary slightly between the European and North American populations, reflecting the local environmental conditions.
The Ivory Funnel Mushroom's ability to grow in a range of habitats and its wide geographical distribution make it an important species to recognize. While it is toxic and should not be consumed, understanding its ecology and distribution provides valuable insights into the functioning of forest ecosystems and the unique relationships between mushrooms, trees, and the environment. Further research and monitoring of this species can help inform conservation efforts and promote a better understanding of our natural world.
The Ivory Funnel Mushroom's toxic properties serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate identification when foraging for wild mushrooms. While it may be tempting to harvest and consume wild fungi, misidentification can have serious consequences. Knowing the key features and habitats of toxic species like the Ivory Funnel Mushroom is crucial for anyone interested in mushroom foraging, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in nature.
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Frequently asked questions
Ivory funnel, or Clitocybe dealbata, is a small white funnel-shaped fungus commonly found in grassy areas in Europe and North America.
Yes, the ivory funnel mushroom is toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other adverse health effects if consumed. It contains potentially deadly levels of the toxin muscarine.
Ivory funnel mushrooms have ivory-colored caps that are 2-4 cm in diameter and are flattened or depressed with white gills. They often form fairy rings in grass during summer and autumn.
If you accidentally consume an ivory funnel mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of poisoning include increased salivation, sweating, and tear production within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. Larger doses can cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and labored breathing.
