Top 20 Most Common Toxic or Poisonous Mushrooms in Delaware

During the reproductive phase of its life cycle, Spinellus fusiger grows throughout the cap of the mushroom host, eventually breaking through to produce radiating reproductive stalks (sporangiophores) bearing minute, spherical, terminal spore-containing structures called sporangia. Ultimately, the spores in the sporangia are released after the breakdown of the outer sporangial wall, becoming passively dispersed to new locations via wind, water, and insects. The sporangia contain non-motile mitospores known as aplanospores. Like other Spinellus species, S. fusiger is homothallic, a condition where sexual zygospores can be produced union of branches from the same mycelium and so can be produced by the growth from a single spore.

The stinking dapperling is a small, delicate mushroom that is relatively nondescript in appearance - however, as its name suggests, it does have a powerful odor. The species is a habitat generalist, popping up in woodlands, gardens, lawns, and abandoned lots. The stinking dapperling also boasts a global distribution, being found across temperate areas of North America, Europe, Asia and the Antipodes.

Freckled dapperling grows on decaying wood most commonly in woodlands but also on mulch or in gardens. Unfortunately, this mushroom may be indistinguishable from other species in the same genus, Echinoderma, without close inspection. However, its pyramid-shaped scales, as referenced by its name, are one aspect that can help differentiate freckled dapperling.

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.

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.

This toxic mushroom blooms on conifer and broadleaf forest floors around the northern hemisphere. It can appear singly, in tufted groups, or in fairy rings. The poison pie can be distinguished from its close relatives by the dark brown watery droplets that form in its gills. As the common name, "poison pie" implies, it is seriously toxic.

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.

This beautiful mushroom is one of the first to pop out after early spring rains. Red-tinged daperling (Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus) is easily distinguished by its coral-red immature cap that remains pinkish in the center even when it matures. The species is not recommended for collecting and eating because its edibility status is still unknown.

Inky mushroom is a unique-looking mushroom that is also beneficial to the environment. It aids in the decomposition of dead wood, plant debris, and animal dung. What makes its appearance unique is the cap, which slowly liquefies as it releases its spores.

Common ink cap mushrooms grow in clumps from buried wood or tree stumps. They come up with such strength that they have been known to lift pavement or break through asphalt. As they age, their gills will turn black and liquefy, creating the "inky" substance for which they are named.