Top 11 Most Common Toxic or Poisonous Mushrooms in Augusta
Venture into the intriguing world of mycology with our comprehensive guide on the top 11 most common poisonous mushrooms found in Augusta. Known for its favorable climate and diverse terrain, Augusta provides an ideal breeding ground for a myriad of mushrooms. Yet amidst this plethora of fungi, a select few pose a risk that every forager should be aware of. This guide aims to enlighten you about these perilous specimens, equipping you with sound knowledge for safe and enjoyable 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. 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!
5. 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.
6. Rufous rubber cup
The rufous rubber cup is a tiny, cup-shaped, reddish-brown mushroom that commonly grows on twigs and fallen branches. The species is considered inedible, and its modest look almost certainly wouldn't attract anyone to consume it.
7. Ravenel's bolete
The ravenel's bolete is an unusual and unmistakable mushroom — unlike all other bolete mushrooms, this species has a powdery veil that covers the pores and the part of the stem when still young. The veil is bright yellow, almost fluorescent. Ravenel's bolete has been used for making mushroom-based dyes.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Yellow-tipped coral
Yellow-tipped coral(Ramaria formosa) is a pinkish, much-branched coral fungus known for its distinct appearance and many colorful varieties. It has been reported to cause gastrointestinal distress in some people, and so consumption is strongly discouraged. Older specimens may become brittle and chalk-like.
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