Top 12 Most Common Toxic or Poisonous Mushrooms in Gulf Shores
Nestled in the heart of the Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores boasts a humid subtropical climate and diverse terrain - a paradise for fungal flourish - but not all mushrooms are friendly. Understanding the 'Top 12 most common poisonous mushrooms in Gulf Shores' is crucial for the safety of every mushroom enthusiast. As you delve into the mysteries of Gulf Shores's mycological world, remember: an informed forager is a safe forager. Unpick the secrets of our fungal friends, their deadly doppelgangers and safe mushroom hunting.
* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.
Most Common Toxic or Poisonous Mushrooms
1. Peach-colored fly agaric
If you're looking for peach-colored fly agaric (Amanita persicina), start by hunting around in the leaf litter of hemlock, pine, and oak trees on the eastern coast of North America. Their rotund cap can commonly be overlooked, but well worth seeking out just to view the freckles and color. This species is poisonous, so take nothing but a photograph.
2. False parasol
Though the false parasol appears unassuming, the species is famous—or, infamous—for its toxicity. It looks unfortunately similar to Agericus campestrus, a commonly eaten mushroom, but the false parasol can be distinguished by its highly unusual green spore print. Although they are no good to eat, they can be pretty to look at. The species may grow in ring-shaped groups in meadows and on forest floors in what are sometimes called "fairy circles."
3. Flowerpot parasol
This tropical/subtropical mushroom is known to be toxic. If eaten it causes a very unpleasant stomachache with the risk of fatal complications. In temperate zones, flowerpot parasol is only found in hothouses and greenhouses, so the risk of accidental foraging is low, but it may occur with potted plants and indoor landscaping and pose a risk to curious children.
4. Fragile dapperling
The fragile dapperling is a tropical and subtropical woodland species. As its name suggests, this mushroom is so tender and fragile that picking it becomes a real challenge. The stem is very thin and it easily snaps. The edibility of the fragile dapperling is unknown, but the mushroom is probably insufficient for any kind of meal.
5. Jack-o'lantern mushroom
The jack-o'lantern mushroom is so-called because of its bright orange color, and because it often appears in the fall (usually before Halloween, though). This vibrant little mushroom can be found growing on decaying hardwood stumps and logs. The species does have some superficial resemblances to the highly edible chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), but it is toxic and should be avoided!
6. Pineapple bolete
One of the most distinctive boletes, the pineapple bolete features an unusual coarse, shaggy, and scaly cap that gets purplish hues as the mushroom matures. When young, the pineapple bolete is covered in a whitish veil, which also creates a unique distinction for this mushroom.
7. Yellow patches
The yellow patches is a gorgeous, striking species with a deep marigold or vermillion cap that sometimes appears as a blend of the two. Like some other members of the Amanita genus, it also sports patchy white worts - when it's cap is still very convex, it somewhat resembles the famous white and red mushrooms from the Mario Bros video games. While beautiful to look at, this species is toxic and should not be harvested.
8. Common earthball
With an appearance similar to a crusty potato, the common earthball blooms from acidic soils, including compacted paths on the forest floor. It matures to a yellowish tinge and is found across the northern hemisphere. It is a close cousin to bolete mushrooms but is considered to be poisonous and is never eaten.
9. Eastern american floury amanita
Eastern american floury amanita can be found during the late summer to fall in woodland areas. As hinted by its name, young mushrooms are covered in a flour-like powder that may wear off in older mushrooms. Other Amanitas can appear similar, but these mushrooms often have a ring of flesh around the stem and a cup-shaped structure at the base of the stem, which eastern american floury amanita lacks.
10. Onion-stalk parasol mushroom
This generalist mushroom, found across North America, can be found in all sorts of moist woodland settings. The species appears to be particularly fond of wood chips or mulch, and so it is often found in garden or park settings. The onion-stalk parasol mushroom, despite the word "onion" in its name, is inedible.
More
