It is important to exercise caution when collecting and consuming wild mushrooms and to positively identify any species before consuming it. Misidentification can be dangerous and even deadly, so it is always recommended to consult with a professional mycologist or expert before consuming any wild mushrooms. In order to differentiate between gourmet edible mushrooms and their poisonous look-alikes checkout The Wild Mushroom Course.
The Jack O’Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus olearius)
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius) is commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia, growing in groups on dead or decaying hardwoods especially on stumps, at tree base or their roots, such as oak trees, madrone, etc. They typically grow in late summer to fall and prefer moist environments.
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom has a few similar-looking mushrooms, both edible and poisonous. Some of the edible lookalikes include:
- Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom)
- Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
- Milk Cap (Lactarius spp.)
- Neolentinus schaefferi
- Infundibulicybe gibba
Some of the poisonous lookalikes include:
- Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (False Chanterelle)
Some of the non edible lookalikes include:
- Paralepista flaccida
If consumed by mistake it causes severe gastrointestinal upsets. It is not considered to be lethal.
The Jack O’Lantern mushroom is one of several species of bioluminescent fungi, which produce light through chemical reactions that occur within the cells of the mushroom.
It is hunted by those that want to use it to dye wool. When used for this purpose dyes wool purple, green or blue-green.
The Dead Cap Mushroom (Amanita phaloides)
The Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is found in many temperate regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. It typically grows in association with certain tree species, such as oak, beech, pine, and chestnut.
Some of the edible lookalikes include:
- The Spring Coccora (Amanita coccora)
- Jungle Dragon (Rusulla viridis)
- Grassygreen Brittlegill (Rusula heterophyla)
- White Agaricus (Leucoagaricus leucothites)
- Buttons (Agaricus spp)
- Lepiota spp.
Some of the poisonous lookalikes include:
- Destroying angel (Amanita ocreata)
- The Fool’s Mushroom (Amanita verna)
- False Death Cap (Amanita citrina)
Amanita phalloides is highly toxic and can cause serious liver and kidney damage or death if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can appear 6-24 hours after ingestion. Contains amatoxins. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
The Panther Amanita Mushroom (Amanita pantherina)
The Panther Amanita (Amanita pantherina) is widely distributed in temperate regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It typically grows in association with conifer and deciduous trees, such as pine, spruce, and oak. The Panther Amanita prefers moist, shaded habitats, such as forests and woodlands, and is often found growing in groups on the forest floor.
Some of the edible lookalikes include:
- The Blusher (Amanita rubescens)
- Grey Spotted Amanita (Amanita excelsa)
- The Slender Parasol (Macrolepiota mastoidea)
Some of the poisonous lookalikes include:
- The Gemmed Amanita (Amanita gemmata)
Other look-alikes:
- Yellow-veiled Amanita (Amanita francheti) -not recommended
Amanita pantherina contains the psychoactive compound muscimol and can cause hallucinations and other central nervous system symptoms if ingested. In severe cases, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, and confusion. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect mushroom poisoning.
The Deadly Skullcap (Galerina marginata)
The Galerina marginata mushroom is widely distributed in temperate and boreal regions of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It typically grows in association with various tree species, including conifers and deciduous trees. The Galerina marginata prefers moist, shaded habitats and is commonly found growing on dead or decaying wood, such as fallen logs, stumps, and branches.
Some of the edible lookalikes include:
- Sheathead Tufft (Kuehneromyces mutabilis)
- Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
- Velvet Foot (Flammulina velutipes)
- Hypholoma capnoides
Some of the poisonous/consciousness altering/inedible lookalikes include:
- Psilocybe spp.
- Galerina spp.
- Conocybe spp.
- Gymnopilus spp.
- Tubaria furfuracea
Galerina marginata is a highly toxic mushroom that contains amatoxins, which are potent liver and kidney toxins. Consuming even a small amount of this mushroom can cause severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and liver failure. In severe cases, ingestion of Galerina marginata can be fatal. There is no known antidote for amatoxin poisoning, and treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on preventing further absorption of the toxin and supporting liver and kidney function. If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested Galerina marginata, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
The Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)
The Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) is a common and widespread mushroom that can be found in temperate regions of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It typically grows in association with deciduous and conifer trees, especially in forests, parks, and suburban areas. The Sulphur Tuft prefers moist, shaded habitats and is commonly found growing on dead or decaying wood, such as fallen logs, stumps, and branches. Common.
Some of the edible lookalikes include:
- Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
Some of the poisonous lookalikes include:
- Conocybe spp,
Inedible look-alikes:
- Brick Cap (Hypholoma lateritium)
The Sulphur Tuft mushroom, is considered to be inedible and potentially toxic. Some sources suggest that it can cause digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting if consumed in large quantities, while others state that it is of low toxicity and may cause only mild digestive discomfort. The level of toxicity of Hypholoma fasciculare is not well understood, and it is generally not recommended for consumption due to its bitter taste and potential for adverse reactions.
The Yellow Staining Mushroom (Agaricus xanthodermus)
The Yellow-staining Mushroom (Agaricus xanthodermus) is a common and widespread species that can be found in temperate regions of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. Can be found in forests, urban parks, and suburban areas. The Yellow-staining Mushroom prefers moist, shaded habitats and is commonly found growing on the forest floor, in grasslands, in lawns, gardens, orchards, or pastures.
Some edible lookalikes include:
- Medow Mushroom (Agaricus campestis)
- White Button (Agaricus bisporus)
- Leucoagaricus leucothites
- Agaricus crocodilinus
- Agaricus benesii
- Agaricus essettei
- Agaricus bitorquis
Some poisonous lookalikes include:
- Mock Medow Mushroom (Agaricus californicus)
- Agaricus iodosmus
Agaricus xanthodermus is a poisonous mushroom species and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include digestive distress, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may also cause liver and kidney damage.
The Torn Fibrecap (Inocybe fastigiata)
The Inocybe fastigiata mushroom is a species of mycorrhizal fungi that forms symbiotic relationships with the roots of various trees, including conifers and deciduous trees (especially beech). Also found in parks, gardens or orchards. It can be found in temperate regions of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia.
Some edible lookalikes include:
- The Fairy Ring (Marasmius oreades)
Some poisonous lookalikes include:
- Inocybe erubescens
- Inocybe cookei
- Inocybe geophylla
- Inocybe spp.
This mushroom contains muscarine. Symptoms start to appear 15-30 minutes after ingestion: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, hallucinations, etc.
Sweat-producing Clitocybe (Clitocybe dealbata)
Clitocybe dealbata can be found in parks, gardens, and other urban grassy areas where there are suitable habitats for growth. It is widely distributed in temperate regions of the world and can be found in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Clitocybe dealbata has some similar-looking edible mushrooms, as well as some poisonous lookalikes. Some edible lookalikes include:
- Clitocybe gibba (Funnel Clitocybe)
- Clitocybe odora (Aniseed Funnel)
- Lepista nuda (Wood Blewit)
Some poisonous lookalikes include:
- Entoloma sinuatum (Blue Foot)
- Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Poisonpie)
Clitocybe dealbata is a poisonous mushroom. It contains muscarine. Symptoms include: vomiting, excessive sweating, diarrhea, etc.