John Miller
Mushroom foraging season in New Zealand is during the cooler, wetter months, usually in autumn and winter. However, in some areas, such as the West Coast of the South Island, mushrooms can be found all year round. It's important to never eat anything you're not 100% sure about, as New Zealand is home to several poisonous mushrooms, including the toxic death cap mushroom, which is responsible for 90% of mushroom poisoning deaths. If you or someone you know has ingested an unknown mushroom, immediately call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to pick mushrooms | In the days after rainfall, especially in autumn and winter |
| Mushroom varieties | Slippery jacks, birch boletes, porcini, death caps, Agaricus mushrooms |
| Mushroom hunting safety | Never eat anything you are not 100% sure about; only an experienced mycologist can properly identify a mushroom |
| Mushroom legality | Magic mushrooms are a Class A drug in New Zealand and are illegal to possess or cultivate |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of picking magic mushrooms
In New Zealand, it is illegal to cultivate or prepare any mushroom containing psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms'. Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. It is considered a Class A drug in New Zealand, meaning possession carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
While some sources claim that psilocybin is one of the safest non-addictive psychoactive substances, with potential therapeutic benefits, it is important to be aware of the dangers of picking and consuming magic mushrooms. Firstly, it is very challenging to identify magic mushrooms accurately, even for professionals. Poisonous mushrooms can closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to poisoning and even death. Some mushrooms, such as the death cap mushroom found in New Zealand, can cause severe damage or death even in small amounts. Therefore, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced mycologist for proper identification before consuming any foraged mushrooms.
Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The effects of magic mushrooms can be intense and unpleasant, and there is currently no way to end a bad trip once it has started. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations.
Furthermore, magic mushrooms can alter one's sense of reality and affect judgment, making activities such as driving while under the influence particularly dangerous. It is also important to note that dried magic mushrooms may contain other substances that can affect their safety profile. Therefore, it is crucial to be extremely cautious when picking and consuming magic mushrooms to avoid unintended negative consequences.
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Identifying toxic lookalikes
New Zealand is home to a variety of poisonous mushrooms, including the toxic death cap mushroom, which can cause serious damage or even death. Even tiny amounts of some mushrooms can cause serious poisoning. It is important to never consume anything that you are not 100% sure you have correctly identified. Only an experienced mycologist can properly identify a mushroom, and DNA sequencing is often used for official identification. Textbooks and the internet are not reliable sources for identification, as poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms often look alike.
One example of toxic lookalikes is the psilocybe subaeruginosa, which bruises blue, and other shrooms that bruise blue but look nothing like a psilocybe. While bruising alone is not sufficient for identification, there are no blue-bruising shrooms that resemble psilocybes. Therefore, when you have other positive identification features along with blue bruising, you have likely identified a psilocybe. However, it is always important to get a second opinion from someone more experienced.
Another toxic mushroom to be aware of is the death cap mushroom, which is responsible for 905 mushroom poisoning deaths. The haymaker's mushroom (Panaeolina foenisecii) and Galerina spp. are examples of little brown mushrooms (LBMs) that have been mistaken for magic mushrooms.
If you are interested in foraging for mushrooms, it is important to consult a field guide or mushroom expert before consuming any species. Resources such as iNaturalist.nz can help you identify what species grow in your area. Additionally, joining online communities like the Mushroom Hunting of New Zealand Facebook group can connect you with experts and hobbyists who can provide guidance.
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When to go hunting
If you're planning to go hunting for mushrooms in New Zealand, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to know that not all mushrooms are edible, and some can be extremely dangerous or even deadly. It's always best to go mushroom hunting with someone who is knowledgeable about mushrooms and can help you identify which ones are safe to pick and consume. You can also use online resources like iNaturalist.nz to find out what species grow in your area.
In terms of timing, the best time to go hunting for mushrooms is after rainfall, especially in the autumn and winter months. Some mushrooms have a very short lifespan, lasting only days or hours, so going out soon after rain gives you a better chance of finding them. In some areas of New Zealand, such as the West Coast of the South Island, mushrooms can be found all year round.
If you're specifically interested in foraging for magic mushrooms (psilocybin mushrooms), it's important to note that they are considered a Class A drug in New Zealand, and possession carries penalties. However, if you still choose to go hunting for magic mushrooms, take extra precautions to identify them correctly and avoid toxic lookalikes. Even experts find it challenging to identify mushrooms accurately, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.
- Consult a field guide or seek advice from a mushroom expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
- Never consume anything you are not 100% sure about. If in doubt, leave it out.
- Be cautious of sprayed gardens or mushrooms with unusual colours, as they may be treated with chemicals.
- Wash your hands after handling mushrooms, even though they are safe to touch.
- If you experience any negative symptoms after consuming mushrooms, seek immediate medical attention and keep a piece of the mushroom for identification.
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What to do if you eat a poisonous mushroom
New Zealand is home to a variety of poisonous mushrooms, including the death cap mushroom, which can be deadly even in small amounts. Other toxic mushrooms include the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) and several species of magic mushroom (Psilocybe species). Poisonous mushrooms can have serious health consequences, including liver and kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhoea, hallucinations, and seizures. Even handling certain mushrooms and then touching your mouth can be dangerous.
If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested a poisonous mushroom, it is important to act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as some types of mushroom poisoning can act rapidly, while others may have delayed symptoms that appear days or even weeks later. Immediately call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON for specific advice on what to do. If possible, keep a piece of the mushroom to help with identification and determining the appropriate treatment.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after ingesting an unknown mushroom. Even if you are unsure whether the mushroom is poisonous, it is better to be safe than sorry. Do not try to identify the mushroom yourself, as even experts can struggle with correct identification. Only an experienced mycologist can reliably identify a mushroom.
To prevent accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms, it is important to only eat mushrooms that are purchased from a supermarket or market garden. Do not eat wild or unknown mushrooms, and be sure to remove any mushrooms growing in your garden or areas accessible to children or pets. Remember, when it comes to foraging and consuming mushrooms, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible.
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How to identify edible mushrooms
While foraging for mushrooms can be a fun activity, it is important to remember that some mushrooms are toxic and can be deadly. Never consume anything you are not 100% sure you have correctly identified. If you are new to the world of fungi foraging, boletes are the best place to start. They are fleshy, stalked pore fungi that usually grow on the ground in wooded areas. Porcini, birch boletes, and slippery jacks are some of the common edible mushrooms found in New Zealand. Birch boletes have a nutty, more aromatic flavour, while slippery jacks have a slimy texture that some people may find off-putting.
Before you go hunting, use iNaturalist.nz to find out what species grow in your area. Once you've found a bolete, confirm the species by examining the stem and cap, checking for staining once the flesh is cut, taking a spore print, and verifying with other resources. Langland's foraging guides are an excellent resource for this.
It is also important to be aware of poisonous mushrooms. New Zealand is home to the toxic death cap mushroom, which is responsible for many mushroom poisoning deaths worldwide. Poisoning through eating mushrooms that look similar to magic mushrooms is also not uncommon. If someone has eaten an unknown mushroom, immediately call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) for specific advice.
Some other edible mushrooms found in New Zealand include the Fairy ring mushroom (also known as the Scotch Bonnet), the Scarlet pouch (Leratiomyces erythrocephalus), and the Hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum spp.). The Entoloma hochstetteri, depicted on New Zealand's $50 note, is also supposedly edible.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom foraging season is generally during the autumn and winter months, especially after rainfall. In some areas, like the West Coast of the South Island, mushrooms can be found all year round.
There are a variety of mushrooms that can be foraged in New Zealand, including slippery jacks, birch boletes, porcini, and field mushrooms. Birch boletes can be found in most urban centres, while porcini can be found in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
Yes, it is important to only pick and consume mushrooms that you are certain are edible. New Zealand is home to several poisonous mushrooms, including the toxic death cap mushroom, which can be deadly. If you are unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to avoid it and consult a field guide or mushroom expert. Additionally, it is illegal to pick or consume magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, in New Zealand as they are classified as a Class A drug.
