Afraid of dangerous mushrooms? You should be. Foraging is fun, but it can be a nightmare if you pick the wrong fungi and, unfortunately, suffer the consequences. When it comes to mushrooms, there are numerous lookalikes you’ll encounter that you should be aware of. We’re going to outline some of them in hopes that you’ll see through their disguises.
In this article, we’re going to look at the top 4 dangerous mushrooms to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what you need to look for when you’re out there foraging for shrooms. Ready to learn about the copycats? Let’s begin!
Dangerous mushrooms
Ivory funnel
Ivory funnel, or Omphalotus olearius, is a dangerous mushroom that is often mistaken for oyster mushrooms. You can often find them in your yard and other areas filled with grass. They have a funnel shape, rather than the typical circular shape associated with oysters. They have the same coloring as some oysters, which deceives many foragers. Stay away from them, as they are poisonous and will make you sick without a doubt.
Ingestion can cause a number of symptoms. Low doses will cause you to salivate, sweat, and cry. Higher doses will cause nausea, blurry vision, diarrhea, and breathing problems. The breathing problems can result in respiratory failure, depending on how severe they are.
Ghost fungus
These glow-in-the-dark mushrooms are similar to what you see in sci-fi films. They are dormant during the day and light up at night. They literally glow. You have to be careful, however, because they are dangerous mushrooms. Omphalotus nidiformis, usually referred to as ghost fungus, is a mushroom which looks similar to oyster shrooms. They are white and similar in shape. However, you can tell the different between ghosts and oysters by their gills. Because they glow, it’s easier to tell the difference between the two at night, rather than the day.
While not deadly, these can lead to severe stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. None of these are any fun, so it’s best to avoid them.
Jack-o-lantern
Omphalotus olearius, also known as Jack-o-lantern, is commonly mistaken for both chanterelle and oyster mushrooms. They look like darkened oyster mushrooms with their similar shape and size, but don’t be fooled. They are poisonous and should not be picked, unless you plan to study them. These dangerous mushrooms carry the orange coloring of a chanterelle with the shape of an oyster. Avoid them at all costs, or be prepared for pain and suffering.
Consuming these mushrooms will lead to severe stomach issues. Death is not on the table, but you may experience stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Death Cap
Amanita phalloides, also known as the “Death Cap,” is the most dangerous mushroom in the world. This poisonous fungi was spread from Europe to the US, and although its recognition is mostly exclusive to California, its spores continue to populate new areas. In 2016, 14 people in the San Francisco Bay area ate death caps and became extremely sick. This was unprecedented, as the death cap had grown solely in Europe until then. Scientists speculate the death cap made its way to California through the transport of cork oak. Cork oak trees (a prime specimen for Amanita phalloides growth) were taken from Europe and planted on the West Coast, resulting in the spread of death cap spores to the US. So far, there have been no reports of death caps found in the south, but we can believe it’s only a matter of time.
Death cap symptoms are as the name implies–death. They will kill you when ingested.
Conclusion
Be careful when you’re out there foraging–there are many dangerous mushrooms you should avoid. In most cases, it’s the gills which help you make a correct identification. If you aren’t sure, check with a local expert to make sure you’ve found what you think you’ve found. In any case, we’ll see you around.
– PeachTown