Top 20 Most Common Toxic or Poisonous Mushrooms in New York
Venturing into the diverse world of mushroom hunting in New York's unique ecosystem? In a territory rich with varied terrain and a climate that supports a multitude of fungi, understanding which types can put you at risk is essential. By highlighting the top 20 most common poisonous mushrooms in New York, our aim is to enhance your foraging skills while ensuring safety. Herein, you'll uncover detailed know-how of identifying these hazardous species, helping you avoid risks during your mushroom hunting endeavors. Let's explore, with caution, the fascinating world of New York's mycological wonders.
* 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. 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."
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. Brick cap
This tufting mushroom grows on hardwood stumps and deadwood. The brick cap seems particularly fond of oak wood. It is similar in most respects to the Sulfur Tuft or Conifer Tuft, except that its cap is a brick red color. Brick caps should be regarded as inedible and are likely to cause stomach problems if consumed.
6. 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.
7. Dead man's hand
Sometimes referred to as a "false Truffle", a trained eye could not easily mistake the dead man's hand for these highly-valued mushrooms. This large puffball-like mushroom develops in the ground, emerging gradually until it finally cracks up and forms a star-shaped fruiting body. The dead man's hand is considered toxic and newbie mushroom hunters should be careful not to confuse it with edible puffballs.
8. 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.
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. Cleft-footed amanita
The cleft-footed amanita is a North American mushroom species that was once classified as the notorious Amanita phalloides (the Death cap). Although later found to be less deadly, the cleft-footed amanita is a highly variable species that is not considered safe to forage for consumption.
More
