Sarah Brown
There are thousands of mushroom species, and while not all of them are poisonous, it's important to know which ones are, as consuming them can be fatal. Mistaking a poisonous mushroom for an edible one can have dire consequences, and in some cases, lead to death. While some mushrooms will make you sick, others can cause violent abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, liver and kidney failure, and in some cases, coma and death. Here are some of the world's most poisonous mushrooms and what to know about them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Mushrooms | Death Cap, Web Cap, Destroying Angels, Poison, Deadly Webcap, Fool's Webcap, Conocybe Filaris, Amanita Verna, Amanita Virosa |
| Appearance | Resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms |
| Symptoms | Violent abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, rapid loss of fluids, intense thirst, liver, kidney, and central nervous system failure, coma, death |
| Time to Onset of Symptoms | 6-24 hours, sometimes as long as 3 weeks |
| Treatment | No home test available to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Prevention | Do not pick and consume wild mushrooms unless you are an expert. Only eat mushrooms bought from a reputable source. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Death cap mushrooms: the most deadly, found throughout Europe, resembling edible mushrooms
- Webcaps: deadly webcaps and fool's webcaps are similar in appearance to edible varieties
- Conocybe filaris: a common lawn mushroom in the Pacific Northwest, potentially fatal if eaten
- Amanita verna and Amanita virosa: two highly toxic amanitas that look like the death cap
- Gyromitra gigas and esculenta: found under pine trees in spring, fatal if eaten raw or undercooked
Death cap mushrooms: the most deadly, found throughout Europe, resembling edible mushrooms
Death Cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are one of the most poisonous and deadly mushrooms in the world. They are found throughout Europe and originate there, but have since been introduced to other parts of the world. They are particularly common in the UK and in the forests of Catalonia. They are also found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Death Caps are responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings, including some notable historical deaths. The toxins in these mushrooms are heat-stable, so cooking them does not reduce their toxicity. As little as half a mushroom can contain enough poison to kill an adult human. The first symptoms of poisoning appear within 6 to 24 hours of ingestion, including violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea. These symptoms lead to dehydration and a rapid loss of fluids. The toxins then affect the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, causing a decrease in urinary output and low blood sugar. This can lead to a coma and death, with a mortality rate of over 50%.
Death Caps are particularly dangerous because they closely resemble several edible mushrooms, including Caesar's mushroom, straw mushrooms, and paddy straw mushrooms. They may also be mistaken for puffballs, Agaricus species, and other Amanita species. They are large fungi, growing up to 15 cm across and tall, with domed caps that flatten as they mature. The caps are generally greenish, but can also be white, olive-yellow, or greenish-bronze, with white gills that turn cream or pink as they age. They are often found in oak or beech woodlands, as well as forests with broad-leaved trees.
To avoid accidental poisoning, it is recommended to avoid collecting Amanita species for consumption. When picking mushrooms, it is important to be able to correctly identify them and be aware of the potential presence of toxic species.
Mushrooms: Healthy Superfood for Your Toddler?
You may want to see also
Webcaps: deadly webcaps and fool's webcaps are similar in appearance to edible varieties
The deadly webcap mushroom, or the Cortinarius rubellus, is a highly toxic variety of mushroom native to northern Europe. It is characterised by a plain, tawny-brown cap and a brownish stem. It is often confused with other edible mushrooms, such as the chanterelle, due to their similar appearance. However, consuming deadly webcaps can be fatal, with symptoms including irreversible kidney failure. These symptoms may take up to three weeks to manifest, making it challenging to identify the mushroom as the cause.
The fool's webcap, or Cortinarius orellanus, is another toxic mushroom species within the same genus as the deadly webcap. Native to Europe, it is commonly found in forests with broad-leaved trees. The fool's webcap is also similar in appearance to edible mushrooms and contains a poison known as orellanin, which can lead to kidney failure and death if ingested. This toxin has a long latency period, with symptoms often appearing after several days or even weeks, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Both the deadly webcap and fool's webcap belong to the Cortinarius genus, which is the largest in the world, potentially comprising over 1000 species. This diversity of species within the genus, along with the presence of many look-alikes, makes accurate identification challenging. As a result, experts advise against consuming any mushrooms from the Cortinarius genus to avoid the severe consequences of mistaken identification.
The danger of consuming fool's webcaps has been well-documented, with cases of poisoning reported in Poland, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. In 1952, 102 people in Poland fell ill after consuming fool's webcaps, resulting in eleven fatalities. More recently, in 2008, English author Nicholas Evans mistakenly served webcap mushrooms to his relatives, leading to hospitalisation and kidney transplants for four of them.
The toxicity of deadly and fool's webcaps is attributed to the presence of orellanin, a strong nephrotoxin. This toxin affects the kidneys, leading to irreversible kidney failure. The long latency period of orellanin further complicates diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the importance of accurate mushroom identification to prevent accidental poisoning.
Mushroom Consolidation: Understanding the Business Strategy
You may want to see also
Conocybe filaris: a common lawn mushroom in the Pacific Northwest, potentially fatal if eaten
Conocybe filaris is a common lawn mushroom in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It has the same mycotoxins as the death cap mushroom, which is considered perhaps the deadliest mushroom. The death cap is found throughout Europe and resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. Its amatoxins are heat-stable and quickly damage cells throughout the body. Within 6 to 12 hours of consumption, violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea appear, causing dehydration and a rapid loss of fluids from the tissues. This is followed by severe liver, kidney, and central nervous system issues, including lowered blood sugar and decreased urinary output, which can lead to a coma and death.
Similarly, C. filaris is potentially fatal if ingested, causing gastrointestinal symptoms within 6 to 24 hours, which often leads to an initial misdiagnosis of food poisoning or the stomach flu. After appearing to recover, the patient may then suffer a life-threatening recurrence of gastrointestinal distress, along with liver and kidney failure.
It is important to be cautious and aware of the potential dangers of mushrooms, especially when consuming wild mushrooms or those from unfamiliar sources. Proper identification of mushroom species is crucial to avoid accidental poisoning.
Other highly toxic mushrooms that resemble the death cap include Amanita verna and Amanita virosa, which are white in colour. These are found in forests with broad-leaved trees, with Amanita verna appearing in the spring and Amanita virosa in the autumn.
In addition to the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), which are very similar in appearance to each other and some edible varieties, there are other toxic mushrooms that can cause serious health issues. For example, some mushrooms found in Catalonia, such as Gyromitra gigas and Gyromitra esculenta, can be toxic when raw or undercooked and may lead to digestive and nervous system disorders if not properly prepared.
Destroying Mushrooms: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Amanita verna and Amanita virosa: two highly toxic amanitas that look like the death cap
Amanita verna and Amanita virosa are two highly toxic amanitas that look like the death cap. They are also known as destroying angels and are among the most toxic known mushrooms. They are pure white, like the supermarket button mushroom, and do not have the same repulsive smell as the death cap. They are found in Europe and North America and are responsible for the majority of deaths due to mushroom poisoning. They contain a complex group of poisonous substances called amatoxins, which cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically appear 6 to 12 hours after ingestion, and if left untreated, can lead to irreversible liver and kidney damage.
Amanita verna, commonly known as Fool's Mushroom, appears in the springtime. It is found in France and other parts of Europe and is sometimes referred to as the Spring Amanita or Destroying Angel. It does not react to potassium hydroxide (KOH), which can be used as a chemical test to distinguish it from other similar species.
Amanita virosa, also known as the Destroying Angel, is found infrequently in the lowlands but is more plentiful in mountainous areas in Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia. In northern Europe, it usually appears in July, August, and September. It is pure white and has a partial veil or ring (annulus) circling the upper stalk. The gills are free and not attached to the stalk, and it has a volva or universal veil, a membrane that encapsulates the entire mushroom. The flesh of Amanita virosa instantly turns yellow when exposed to potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Both Amanita verna and Amanita virosa can be distinguished from the death cap by their white colour, as the death cap is typically greenish-white to greenish-yellow. The death cap is found throughout Europe and is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings due to its resemblance to edible mushrooms and its heat-stable amatoxins that quickly damage cells throughout the body. Ingestion of the death cap leads to violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea within 6 to 12 hours, followed by severe involvement of the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
It is important to note that the identification of mushrooms based on appearance alone can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Chemical tests or microscopic examination may be required for accurate identification.
Mushroom Classification: Understanding Fungi Diversity
You may want to see also
Gyromitra gigas and esculenta: found under pine trees in spring, fatal if eaten raw or undercooked
There are several species of mushrooms that are toxic to humans, some of which can be fatal. One of the most well-known deadly mushrooms is the Death Cap (*Amanita phalloides*), which is native to Europe and is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings. It closely resembles edible mushrooms, which makes it even more dangerous.
Another group of mushrooms that can be fatal if consumed is the Gyromitra genus, which includes G. gigas (Snow Morel) and G. esculenta. These mushrooms are found under pine trees in the spring and are potentially fatal if eaten raw or undercooked. G. esculenta, also known as the False Morel, has a brain-shaped cap that is dark brown in colour and can reach up to 15 cm in width. It is widely distributed across Europe and North America and is considered a delicacy in some regions, despite its toxicity.
G. gigas and G. esculenta contain the toxin gyromitrin, which affects the liver, central nervous system, and sometimes the kidneys. The principal active mycotoxin, gyromitrin, is converted into the toxic compound monomethylhydrazine when consumed. While cooking can reduce the levels of gyromitrin, evidence suggests that it may not be sufficient to prevent poisoning from repeated consumption.
The symptoms of Gyromitra poisoning include digestive disorders (diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, stomach ache), jaundice, accelerated heart rate, and nervous system disorders (delirium, nervousness, hallucinations, mental confusion). It is important to seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur after consuming wild mushrooms.
It is worth noting that the prognosis for Gyromitra mushroom toxicity is generally good, and fatalities have not been documented in several decades. However, the potential for severe complications, including liver and kidney failure, exists, especially if treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms and to cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of poisoning.
Mushrooms: A Superfood for Kidney Health?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some of the most poisonous mushrooms include the Death Cap, Web Cap, Destroying Angel, Conocybe Filaris, and Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus).
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary, but commonly include gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include dehydration, liver and kidney failure, nervous system disorders, and in severe cases, coma and death.
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Immediately seek medical attention by contacting a poison control center or your local emergency services. Provide as much information as possible, including a description or sample of the mushroom.
