Ten Poisonous Mushrooms

There are many species of poisonous mushrooms. The list below is by no means inclusive. However, it does point out some of the poisonous mushrooms you are most likely to encounter.
  1. Amanita verna/virosa/bisporigera — These are very similar species of deadly poisonous mushrooms. They are all stately, pure white mushrooms with a ring and a volva. In general, one should learn the features of Amanita and avoid picking them for eating.
  2. Galerina autumnalis* — This is a small, brown mushroom with a ring growing on logs. It contains some of the same deadly poisons as the Amanita do.
  3. Lepiota cristata — This is a small, woodland mushroom with a whitish cap and reddish-brown scales. In general, small Lepiota-like species should be avoided.
  4. Chlorophyllum molybdites — This mushroom is probably responsible for more poisonings than any other in the United States. It is Lepiota-like and grows in grass, but is distinguished by its light green spore print.
  5. Gyromitra esculenta — Gyromitra are deeply wrinkled to lobe-like fungi which resemble morels in their hollowness and spring growth, but they are poisonous.
  6. Inocybe fastigiata — This mushroom with its golden to brown, conic, fiber-streaked cap and light brown gills is representative of the genus Inocybe, which should be entirely avoided when collecting for food.
  7. Amanita muscaria* — This is a beautiful, bright yellow mushroom with white spots or patches on its cap and a ring and bulbous base.
  8. Panaeolus foenisecii — This is a thin, fragile brown mushroom. Since it is a common lawn mushroom, it can be dangerous for small children.
  9. Omphalotus illudens — This is a bright orange mushroom that grows in clumps around tree stumps.
  10. Russula emetica* — This is a common woodland mushroom. It is known by its red cap, white gills and crumbly white stem. It is a member of a large group of Russulas which are hard to distinguish and should be avoided.
* Photos by Tom Volk