Top 20 Most Common Toxic or Poisonous Mushrooms in Santa Rosa
Diving into the compelling world of mycology? Whether you're a seasoned forager or a novice mushroom enthusiast, it's crucial to note that Santa Rosa boasts a varied terrain and unique climate ideal for mushroom growth. However, amongst the plethora of fascinating varieties lies a danger - 20 common poisonous mushrooms. Essential knowledge for any amateur mycologist, this guide will offer you insights into these toxic fungi. With safety as our priority, we'll provide tips on how to differentiate between the enticing edible and the potentially lethal. Good 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. Western jack-o'-lantern mushroom
The western jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olivascens) may be the most visually striking mushroom of the forest during day and night. During the day, brilliant large orange flat caps grow from both the ground and decaying stumps. At night, these mushrooms may glow in the dark, depending on location and maturity.
2. Sulphur tuft
The sulphur tuft grows on rotting wood of all types of trees; it is a particularly efficient decomposer of hardwoods. The mushrooms appear from spring to autumn and are often so tightly packed that they interfere with each other’s shape. This poisonous mushroom can cause temporary paralysis, distorted vision, and stomach pain if consumed.
3. Oak-loving elfin saddle
4. Yellow-staining milkcap
Like most other milkcaps, the yellow-staining milkcap will ooze a white, latex-like substance when cut or otherwise damaged, but, unlike closely related species, the latex of this mushroom will quickly turn canary-yellow when exposed to the air. Go ahead and try it out for yourself, but don't take this one home to the kitchen! The yellow-staining milkcap is toxic.
5. Yellow stainer
The yellow stainer grows across North America and Europe and has been imported to Australia. It can be distinguished from other common white mushrooms by the bright chrome yellow color it turns when bruised. It is known to be poisonous, causing cramps, nausea, and purging. Unfortunately, it often gets accidentally eaten as it looks similar to several edible white mushrooms.
6. Woolly chanterelle
The woolly chanterelle, which looks only vaguely similar to its famed, edible chanterelle cousins, is vase-shaped and has large, pale folds and wrinkles on its underside (as opposed to having gills, like those of more sought-after chanterelles). Woolly chanterelles can cause upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea in some who eat them, while leaving others completely unaffected. Needless to say, the species is not considered a "choice edible".
7. Wolf lichen
The thallus, or vegetative body, has a fructicose shape — that is, shrubby and densely branched — and a bright yellow to yellow-green, or chartreuse color, although the color will fade in drier specimens. Its dimensions are typically 2 to 7 cm (0.8 to 3 in) in diameter. The vegetative reproductive structures soredia and isidia are present on the surface of the thalli, often abundantly. 
8. Yellowfoot dapperling
The yellowfoot dapperling (Lepiota magnispora) is a shaggy-capped species of Lepiota that can be found growing in wet forests across the western United States. While the species lacks a foot, it does usually have a blush of yellow or tan coloration at the base of its stalk - caps also have a tan or yellow hue, though they tend to darken to brown at their centers.
9. False chanterelle
The common name of this mushroom refers to the fact that it looks very similar to the edible and highly prized Chanterelle. This species, however, tastes bitter and may cause poisoning symptoms. False chanterelle occurs around the northern hemisphere in autumn and winter, growing on coniferous detritus, and is more likely to fruit in dry conditions rather than the usual wet.
10. 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."
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