Michael Davis
Mushrooms are popular worldwide and are used in a variety of dishes. However, it is important to be cautious as not all mushrooms are safe to eat. While only 1-2% of mushrooms contain poisonous toxins, consuming these toxic mushrooms can lead to severe illness or even death. To avoid poisoning, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms and only consume them if you are 100% sure of their edibility. Here are some general guidelines to help you steer clear of poisonous mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gills | Avoid all gilled mushrooms unless you can identify them with 100% certainty. |
| White gills | Avoid. |
| Skirt or ring on the stem | Avoid. |
| Bulbous or sack-like base | Avoid. |
| Red on the cap or stem | Avoid. |
| Sulphur shelf mushrooms | Avoid those that grow on conifer trees. |
| Hen-of-the-woods | Avoid older specimens that are orange or reddish. |
| Jack-o'-lantern mushrooms | Avoid. |
| Environment | Avoid mushrooms that grow in polluted environments, urban settings, along busy highways, or in areas where pesticide exposure is likely. |
| Amanita family | Avoid. |
| Death caps | Avoid. |
| Destroying Angels | Avoid. |
| Deadly webcaps | Avoid. |
| Fool's webcaps | Avoid. |
| Conocybe filaris | Avoid. |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid the Amanita family, including the Destroying Angel and Death Cap
- Steer clear of the Jack-o'-lantern mushroom, which causes digestive issues
- Do not eat the Funeral Bell, which grows on wood?
- Avoid the Sulphur Shelf mushroom, which can cause allergic reactions
- Do not consume the Webcap mushroom, which is often fatal?
Avoid the Amanita family, including the Destroying Angel and Death Cap
The Amanita family of mushrooms is one of the deadliest in the world, and the Destroying Angel and Death Cap are the most poisonous in the UK. The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) is suspected to have caused more mushroom poisoning deaths than any other species. It is native to Europe but also forms on the east and west coasts of the United States and in Canada. It has a 6-inch-wide cap, often sticky to the touch, that can be yellowish, brownish, whitish, or greenish. The cap has white gills and grows on a stalk about 5 inches tall with skirting on the stem and a white cup at its base. It can emit a faint, honey-sweet smell that some describe as an unpleasant, cleaning-product smell.
The Destroying Angel refers to several similar, closely related species of deadly all-white mushrooms in the Amanita genus. They are Amanita virosa in Europe and A. bisporigera and A. ocreata in eastern and western North America, respectively. Destroying angels are often mistaken for edible mushrooms such as button mushrooms, meadow mushrooms, and horse mushrooms. They can be identified by their gills and white stalks, and the cap can be pure white, or white at the edge and yellowish, pinkish, or tan at the centre.
Given the danger involved in eating the wrong Amanita, it is best to avoid the genus entirely unless you are an expert in mushroom identification. It is also important to remember that not all mushrooms are toxic; some are only toxic when they are old and rotting. However, mushroom misidentification can be fatal, so it is crucial to be able to identify mushrooms with 100% certainty before consuming them.
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Steer clear of the Jack-o'-lantern mushroom, which causes digestive issues
When it comes to mushrooms, it is crucial to remember that proper identification is essential. While many mushrooms are healthy and delicious, only 1-2% contain poisonous toxins, and consuming the wrong type can have fatal consequences. Therefore, it is always best to leave a mushroom alone if you cannot identify it with absolute certainty.
One such mushroom to avoid is the Jack-o'-lantern mushroom, which is a common variety found in the United States. This mushroom has a striking appearance, with two primary varieties: east of the Rocky Mountains, you'll find Omphalotus illudens, which is bright orange and almost shiny; while west of the Rockies, in southern and central California, Omphalotus olivascens presents an olive colour mixed with orange. They are often found in urban settings, growing in large clusters at the base of trees, on stumps, or on buried wood.
The Jack-o'-lantern mushroom is easily confused with the chanterelle mushroom, a variety that chefs love to cook with due to its unique peppery, peachy, and apricot-like flavour. However, while chanterelles can be safely consumed, the Jack-o'-lantern variety is poisonous and should be avoided. Eating this mushroom will not kill the average adult, but it will result in several days of digestive discomfort.
To differentiate between these two similar-looking mushrooms, examine their gills. The Jack-o'-lantern mushroom has true, sharp, non-forking, and deep-set gills that descend the stalk, whereas the chanterelle may display gill-like ridges, but its interior is solid and white, and it lacks true gills.
In general, when foraging for mushrooms, it is advisable to bring a guide that lists edible mushrooms in your area and to avoid mushrooms that grow in polluted environments or are past their prime. Additionally, be cautious of mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous base, as well as those with red on the cap or stem, as these could be toxic.
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Do not eat the Funeral Bell, which grows on wood
It is imperative that you do not eat the Funeral Bell, which grows on wood. This mushroom is a member of the Galerina genus and contains the same deadly poisonous toxins that occur in the Death Cap, which is blamed for the most mushroom poisonings in the world. The Funeral Bell is also known as Galerina marginata, deadly skullcap, autumn skullcap, or deadly galerina. The cap ranges from 1 to 6 centimetres in diameter and starts convex, sometimes broadly conical, with edges that are curved in against the gills. As the cap grows and expands, it becomes broadly convex and then flattened, sometimes developing a central elevation that may project prominently from the cap surface.
The fruit bodies of the Funeral Bell have brown to yellow-brown caps that fade in colour when drying. The gills are brownish and give a rusty spore print. A well-defined membranous ring is typically seen on the stems of young specimens but often disappears with age. In older fruit bodies, the caps are flatter, and the gills and stems are browner. This species is a classic "little brown mushroom", a catch-all category that includes all small to medium-sized, indistinguishable brownish mushrooms, and thus can easily be mistaken for edible mushroom species.
The Funeral Bell appears on conifer stumps and occasionally on the stumps of broadleaf trees. It is an uncommon but far-from-rare find in Britain and Ireland and is recorded throughout most of Central and northern mainland Europe, as well as in Asia and North America. It was described in 1789 by German mycologist August Johann Georg Karl Batsch, who gave it the name Agaricus marginatus.
It is important to note that mushroom misidentification can be fatal. Proper identification of wild mushrooms is crucial when foraging. Some poisonous mushrooms can kill, so you must be able to accurately name the fungus and be 100% sure of what it is before consumption.
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Avoid the Sulphur Shelf mushroom, which can cause allergic reactions
When it comes to mushrooms, it is imperative to be able to identify them with 100% certainty before consuming them. While some mushrooms are edible, others can cause allergic reactions or even be fatal. One such mushroom to avoid is the Sulphur Shelf mushroom, also known as the Chicken of the Woods, Chicken Mushroom, or Chicken Fungus.
The Sulphur Shelf mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus) is easily identifiable by its bright yellow to orange colour, resembling the sulphur colour. It grows in shelf-like clusters, often on hardwood trees such as oaks, in North America and Europe. While it is considered edible, it is important to note that it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from gastrointestinal distress to severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to only consume a small amount of this mushroom when trying it for the first time, and it should always be cooked before consuming.
To identify the Sulphur Shelf mushroom, look for its distinctive colour, ranging from sulphur-yellow to orange, with bright orange tips in younger mushrooms. As they age, the brackets become pale, brittle, and chalk-like, sometimes with holes created by beetles or slugs. The mushroom grows in layers, one over the other, forming a flat cap with no stem. It is often described as having a meaty or chicken-like texture and flavour.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines to ensure your safety. Avoid mushrooms that grow in polluted environments, such as urban areas or along busy highways, as fungi can absorb pollutants. Always properly identify the mushroom before consuming it, and if you are ever in doubt, it is best to avoid eating it altogether. Remember, even edible mushrooms can cause reactions in some individuals, so it is always a good idea to try a small amount first when consuming any mushroom for the first time.
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Do not consume the Webcap mushroom, which is often fatal
Mushroom hunting can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it is not without its dangers. Many mushrooms are toxic and can cause serious illness or even death. One of the most dangerous mushrooms is the Webcap mushroom, which is native to the forests of Eurasia and North America. This mushroom is responsible for several cases of poisoning and even some deaths.
The Webcap mushroom, or Cortinarius rubellus, is a highly toxic fungus that contains orellanin, a deadly poison that can cause irreversible kidney and liver damage. It can be challenging to identify due to its resemblance to other orange-brown capped mushrooms, and its toxic effects may not be apparent until up to two weeks after consumption. By then, it is often too late, and the damage has already been done.
To identify the Webcap mushroom, look for a reddish-brown to orange cap that is dry and slightly hairy or scaly. The cap is initially convex but becomes umbonate, with a slightly pointed center. When young, the gills are covered by a veil that resembles a cobweb. As the mushroom ages, this veil disappears, but it often leaves marks on the stem where rusty-brown spores adhere.
It is important to note that even experienced mushroom hunters can make mistakes, and misidentification can have serious consequences. If you are not absolutely certain about the identity of a mushroom, do not consume it. Always seek expert guidance and properly identify mushrooms before foraging or consuming them. Your life may depend on it.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to correctly identify the mushroom before consuming it. Here are some general guidelines to avoid poisonous mushrooms:
- Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous base.
- Avoid mushrooms with red on the cap or stem.
- Avoid mushrooms that grow in polluted environments or are past their prime.
- Avoid wild edible mushrooms that grow in urban settings, along busy highways, or in areas where pesticide exposure is likely.
- Avoid mushrooms that resemble Sulphur Shelf mushrooms, as they can cause allergic reactions.
- Avoid Jack-o'-lantern mushrooms, which look similar to chanterelles but are poisonous and will cause digestive discomfort.
Some of the most poisonous mushrooms include:
- Destroying Angel
- Death Cap: This is perhaps the deadliest mushroom, found throughout Europe, and resembling edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. It causes violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea.
- Deadly Webcap: This mushroom is native to northern Europe and ingestion often results in fatality, with symptoms taking as long as three weeks to appear.
- Fool's Webcap: This mushroom causes kidney failure and death if left untreated.
- Conocybe Filaris: This common lawn mushroom in the Pacific Northwest of the United States causes organ failure.
Proper identification of mushrooms is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Use a mushroom hunting guide that lists edible mushrooms in your area.
- Identify the mushroom using multiple sources or with the help of a professional.
- Check the base of the mushroom, as some poisonous mushrooms grow from a sack-like or bulbous structure called a volva.
- Observe the mushroom's growing environment, such as grassland or woods, and the type of trees they grow on or under.
- Note the size, shape, and texture of the stem, as well as any markings.
- Be aware that all mushrooms will become toxic when very old and rotting.
If someone consumes a poisonous mushroom, immediately contact a Poison Control Centre and seek emergency medical attention. In the case of pets, take them to the vet right away.
