Sarah Brown
Red mushrooms can be found in various regions around the world, including Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some well-known red mushroom species include the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), the Jackson's Slender Amanita, the Ox Tongue or Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica), and the Red Chanterelle. These mushrooms can be found in forests, pastures, fields, and even gardens, with some species favouring specific types of trees or environments. While some red mushrooms are edible, others are highly toxic, and proper identification is crucial to avoid accidental poisoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Fly Agaric, Fly Amanita |
| Scientific name | Amanita muscaria |
| Colour | Red, orange, white |
| Cap size | 8-20 cm in diameter |
| Cap shape | Rounded, broadens and flattens as it matures |
| Cap texture | Covered with cottony white patches that look like warts |
| Gills | White, sometimes cream |
| Stem | White, slender, 5-20 cm high |
| Volva | White bag, broken into scales |
| Smell | Mildly earthy |
| Habitat | Forests, pastures, fields, woodland, heathland |
| Region | Temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, hallucinogenic, psychoactive |
| Traditional use | Insecticide, religious ceremonies |
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What You'll Learn
Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
Fly agaric is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Amanita. It is a white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom that typically grows in deciduous and coniferous forests. It is often found in birch, pine, or spruce forests, where it forms symbiotic relationships with various trees. The mushroom emerges from the soil looking like a white egg, and as it matures, the cap breaks open and expands to a vibrant red colour that can grow up to 8 inches wide.
Fly agaric has a long history of use in religious ceremonies and shamanic rituals, particularly in Asia, Siberia, and Europe. It was used as an ingredient in a sacred and hallucinogenic ritual drink called 'soma' in India and Iran, and Siberian shamans would give it as a gift in late December. It has also been used traditionally as an insecticide, with the cap broken up and sprinkled into saucers of milk to attract and kill flies.
The mushroom is known for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties, containing compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid. While it can cause poisoning, especially in children and those seeking its hallucinogenic effects, fatal poisonings are extremely rare. It has been the subject of much folklore and has appeared in fairy tales and artistic renditions, often accompanied by a toad. Its colours are thought to have inspired Santa Claus's red and white suit.
In terms of morphology, Amanita muscaria exhibits complex genetic diversity, suggesting it is a species complex rather than a single species. It varies considerably in appearance, and several subspecies or varieties have been recognised within the species. It is generally common and numerous where it grows and is often found in groups with basidiocarps in all stages of development.
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Jackson's slender amanita
Jacksons slender amanita (Amanita jacksonii) is a species of fungus in the family Amanitaceae. It is also known as the American Slender Caesar and Eastern Caesar's amanita. It is a reddish-orange mushroom with a distinctive appearance, featuring a bright red or orange cap that fades to yellow at the margin and yellow to orange gills. The cap is typically oval-shaped, becoming convex with a central bump, and measures 8-12 centimetres (3-4+1/2 inches) wide. The gills are moderately crowded to crowded, and the stems are tall, thin, and yellow with orange fibres. The total height of a mature mushroom can reach up to 6 inches.
Jacksons slender amanita is native to woodland regions throughout eastern Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is often confused with Amanita caesarea, a strictly European species, as well as toxic species such as Amanita muscaria and Amanita phalloides. The range of Jacksons slender amanita extends from the Province of Quebec in Canada to at least the State of Hidalgo in Mexico, with observations as far south as Cayo District, Belize.
The mushroom is considered edible and choice, although misidentification with toxic species can occur. Jacksons slender amanita grows in the soil of wooded areas, often in association with oak trees, and can be found alone or in groups. The fruit of the mushroom typically appears towards the end of summer and into the early fall.
The name Jacksons slender amanita was given to the species by Canadian mycologist René Pomerleau in 1984. The mushroom breaks through a universal veil as it grows, leaving behind a sack-shaped volva at the base. This trait is one of the distinguishing features of the species.
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Ox tongue/beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
Beefsteak mushrooms are often eaten raw, supposedly with a sour flavour like sorrels. However, the taste is only subtly sour and not as potent as any oxalis species. The mushroom gives off a red juice when sliced, resembling blood. It is sometimes used as a meat substitute due to its meaty texture and red juice. The mushroom itself is red, resembling meat, and can be seasoned with chopped sorrel, salt, and pepper to enhance its flavour and texture.
When the ox tongue mushroom ages, its colour changes from red to dark brown, and it becomes soft and gelatinous. In this state, consuming it may cause gastrointestinal problems. It is important to cook older specimens properly to avoid any adverse effects.
Beefsteak mushrooms are relatively rare and may be challenging to find, even for experienced mushroom hunters. They are often found on oak trees, typically at the base of the tree trunk.
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Red chanterelle
Cinnabar red chanterelles are an oft-neglected edible mushroom, living in the shadow of their celebrated golden cousins. However, they are just as tasty, with a classic chanterelle flavour—piney, fruity, and floral. They are also quite small, rarely even half the size of golden chanterelles, but this only adds to the pleasure of picking them.
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Russula emetica (The Sickener)
Russula emetica, commonly known as the sickener, emetic russula, or vomiting russula, is a type of basidiomycete mushroom. It is one of the over 100 red-capped Russula species found worldwide. The mushroom was first described in 1774 by German mycologist Jacob Christian Schaeffer, who named it Agaricus emeticus.
The sickener mushroom has a red, convex to flat cap that can grow up to 8.5 cm (3.3 in) in diameter. The cap has a cuticle that can be peeled off almost to the centre. The gills are white to pale cream and are closely spaced. The mushroom has a smooth, cylindrical, white stem that can grow up to 10.5 cm (4.1 in) long and 2.4 cm (0.9 in) thick. It is commonly found in coniferous and hardwood forests worldwide, particularly in Europe, Northern Africa, parts of Asia, and some parts of North America.
Russula emetica is known to cause gastrointestinal problems if consumed. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and colicky abdominal cramps. These symptoms typically occur half an hour to three hours after ingestion and usually subside on their own or shortly after the ingested material is expelled. The toxins in the mushroom are believed to be sesquiterpenes, which have been isolated from the related genus Lactarius and Russula sardonia. However, thorough cooking is said to remove most, if not all, of the toxins.
Russula emetica is often confused with the red-capped sickener species Russula nobilis, which is widespread in North America and grows primarily with beech trees.
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Frequently asked questions
Red mushrooms can be found in various locations around the world, depending on the type of mushroom. For example, Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) is found in forests, pastures, and fields throughout temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. On the other hand, Jackson's Slender Amanita is found in eastern Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Other common types of red mushrooms include the Ox Tongue or Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica), which is found throughout Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia; the Red Chanterelle, which is found in broadleaf or mixed forests; and the Russula Emetica, commonly found in coniferous and hardwood forests worldwide.
Yes, several red mushrooms are toxic, including Fly Agaric, which is known to be poisonous and hallucinogenic. Other toxic red mushrooms include the Blusher (Amanita rubescens) and the Beech Sickener (Russula nobilis). It is important to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
