Poisonous Mushrooms

The following choice edibles are very distinctive and therefore easy to identify. It is always wise to be certain of your identification of a species before eating it. Consult a field guide to determine your species. This web site should not be used to identify mushrooms. Hope’s Mushroom Cook book has fine recipes for the preparation of the species pictured here for the table.

Agaricus xanthrodermis

Agaricus xanthrodermis:

This species is often mistaken for the meadow mushroom (Agaricus campestris) however, the yellow stain in the stipe base is not present in the meadow mushroom. This species causes mild to severe gastric upset. It commonly grows in lawns the same as the meadow mushroom.

Amanita muscaria

Amanita muscaria:

A colorful red capped species with white or buff patches on the pileus contains muscimol which causes stomach upset, drowsiness, vomiting and loss of coordination and can also be hallucinogenic almost like intoxication. Some strains also contain muscarin. Hospitalization can result but is not fatal unless someone already has health problems. It fruits around pine and other tree species and is widely distributed.

Amanita virosa

Amanita virosa:

This pure white species with its deep membranous volva (cup surrounding the base) is deadly poisonous. It contains the cyclopeptide amanitin which kill liver cells and without a liver transplant is often fatal. It is found associated with oak in Eastern North America. However, Amanita ocreata, a sister species, and just as deadly is found under oak in California and the west coast.

Chalciporus piperatus

Chalciporus piperatus:

A very bitter tasting bolete with cinnamon colored pores could cause severe gastric upset. However, the bitter taste usually rules out eating it. It is found associated with conifers or northern hardwood stands.

Chlorophyllum molybdites

Chlorophyllum molybdites:

The toxin creates severe gastrointestinal upset over several hours. The green spore print and growth in a fairy ring clearly separates this species from the look alike edible species of Macrolepiota which have a white spore print. It forms fairy rings in lawns, meadows, and grassy areas and is one of the most frequently mistaken for an edible mushroom.

Galerina autumnalis

Galerina autumnalis:

This small brown mushroom which grows on wood is deadly poisonous. The presence of the cyclopeptide amanitin kills liver cells and like Amanita virosa can be fatal. The need for a liver transplant is often essential to save a persons life. It is found in woodlands throughout North America.

Hebeloma crustulinaforme

Hebeloma crustulinaforme:

Severe gastric upset, even requiring hospitalization, can result from ingestion of this species. Recovery is usually complete in a day or two. It can be found is yards under hardwood and conifer trees or in the forest everywhere.

Inocybe lacera

Inocybe lacera:

A large number, if not all, of species of Inocybe contain the toxin muscarin. Usual symptoms include excessive salvia, tears, and sweating combined with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Recovery is usually achieved after two or three days. The species of Inocybe are associated with hardwood and confer trees and widely distributed.

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe cubensis:

This species contains psilocybin and psilosin hallucinogenic toxins. The possession of which is against the law. The blue stains on the stipe and pileus are highly correlated with the presence of the toxins. Recovery is usually complete except in young children or excessive use. The fruiting body as well as the spawn both contain the toxins but the spawn slowly loose toxins on storage. Usually found on cow or horse dung in warm southern climates

Good Edible Species:

Interesting Species: