Wisconsin Mycological Society
  • Home
  • Events
  • Newsletters
  • Board
  • Myco Links
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Events
  • Newsletters
  • Board
  • Myco Links
  • Contact
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

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

If You Suspect a Poisoning
If you suspect you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, contact a physician, the closest hospital ER, poison control center, or dial 911, depending on the severity of the reaction.

US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
The North American Mycological Association (NAMA) has information that may also be of help. Click here.
​
 We do not ID mushrooms through this website. 
If you are in need of an ID consider uploading quality photos with multiple views of your specimen and descriptions of your find to Mushroom Observer or iNaturalist including our projects or post in Wild Food Wisconsin or Mushroom Identification Group.

If you contact us and provide a way to get back to you, we may be able to provide suggestions for more identification resources you can use.
You are always responsible for your own decisions taken on the basis of identification resources.

Picture
Wisconsin Mycological Society

Wisconsin Mycological Society (WMS) is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of mushrooms and other fungi throughout the state of Wisconsin. Education, safety, sustainability, community, and connecting with nature are our goals. 

We are affiliated with NAMA, a society that covers all of North America and includes many affiliate clubs. We also love to support regional  Wisconsin clubs and fungi related events. This includes the Madison Mycological Society and the Northwestern Wisconsin MycoEnthusiasts.

If you run or want to start a regional group, or one focused on a unique mycological topic, please do reach out to us.