Lookup
Toxic Mushrooms of North America
Pick the mushroom you think you are looking at. Every page lists only features confirmed from mycological references, with the source quoted. Identification here is for avoiding danger; no page on this site says a wild mushroom is safe to eat.
What to look at before you compare
- The whole mushroom, including the base. Dig it out; a cup-like volva at the base is the mark of the deadliest Amanitas and is easy to leave in the ground.
- Gill colour and attachment. White, free gills on a white or greenish cap point toward Amanita; brown gills change the picture entirely.
- Ring on the stem. Present, absent, skirt-like or fragile.
- Spore print. Put the cap gill-side down on paper for a few hours; white, brown, green and black prints separate whole groups.
- Where it grew. On wood or on soil, under which trees, and in which month.
Why these sixteen
They are the species behind most serious mushroom poisonings in North America or the ones most often searched for by name. Several kill by delayed liver or kidney damage, which is why a symptom-free first day is not reassurance.
Can be fatal
- Death Cap Mushrooms (Amanita phalloides): ID and Danger
- Destroying Angel Mushroom (Amanita bisporigera): How to ID
- Western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata): How to Recognise It
- Funeral Bell Mushroom (Galerina marginata): How to ID It
- False Morel Mushrooms (Gyromitra): Poisonous, How to Tell
- Fool's conecap (Conocybe filaris): How to Recognise It
- Deadly Lepiota (Lepiota brunneoincarnata): How to Recognise It
- Deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus): How to Recognise It
- Brown roll-rim (Paxillus involutus): How to Recognise It
Serious or moderate poisoning
- Chlorophyllum molybdites Mushroom: Green-Spored Parasol ID
- Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria): How to Recognise It
- Panther cap (Amanita pantherina): How to Recognise It
- Eastern jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens): How to Recognise It
- Ivory funnel (Clitocybe dealbata): How to Recognise It
- Ink Cap Mushroom Poisonous? Common Ink Cap and Alcohol
- Livid pinkgill (Entoloma sinuatum): How to Recognise It
Toxic Mushrooms of North America
Toxic Mushrooms of North America
- Amatoxin Poisoning: Symptoms, Stages and Treatment
- Poison Red Mushroom ID: Fly Agaric, Sickener and More
- Toadstools Poisonous to Dogs: Species, Signs and Timing
- Poison Puffball Mushroom: How to Spot the Common Earthball
- Death Cap vs Ink Cap Mushroom: How Their Poisons Differ
- Food Poisoning from Mushrooms: Symptoms and Timing
- Poisonous Mushrooms That Grow on Trees: 5 to Know
Toxic Mushrooms of North America
- Amatoxin Poisoning: Symptoms, Stages and Treatment
- Poison Red Mushroom ID: Fly Agaric, Sickener and More
- Toadstools Poisonous to Dogs: Species, Signs and Timing
- Poison Puffball Mushroom: How to Spot the Common Earthball
- Death Cap vs Ink Cap Mushroom: How Their Poisons Differ
- Food Poisoning from Mushrooms: Symptoms and Timing
- Poisonous Mushrooms That Grow on Trees: 5 to Know
- Fungi Poisoning: Mushroom Toxin Types, Signs, Treatment
- Toadstool Mushroom Poisonous? Mushroom vs Toadstool
- Poison Bolete: Which Boletes Are Toxic and How to Tell
- Black Mushroom Poisonous? Which Black Fungi Are Toxic
FAQ
Can I tell if a mushroom is poisonous from a photo?
You can often tell that a mushroom matches a known toxic species, which is enough to leave it alone. You cannot tell from a photo that a mushroom is safe.
Someone ate a wild mushroom and feels fine. Is it over?
No. The deadliest species cause no symptoms for 6 to 12 hours or longer. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 now.
Are mushrooms in my yard dangerous to children or dogs?
Some are. Remove them before they are eaten, keep a sample, and if a child or pet has eaten one, call Poison Control or a veterinarian immediately.