The deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) favors northern climates. Underneath the attractive, reddish-brown cap of this robust mushroom is a toxic compound that can prove fatal, as it attacks the kidneys and liver. Unfortunately, due to its color, it can be confused for a delicious chantarelle. Such a mistake once led to the high-profile hospitalization of Nicholas Evans, the author of “The Horse Whisperer.”
Cap Diameter:
3 - 9 cm
Odor:
Faintly reminiscent of radish.
In This Article
Attributes
Toxicity and Edibility
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Deadly webcap
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Attributes of Deadly webcap
Cap Diameter
3 - 9 cm
Height
5 - 12 cm
Cap
Cap 2.5 - 8 cm across; conical to convex, umbaonate; tawny to reddish orange; surface smooth
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Central Bump
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
Ocher to rusty brown
Stem
Stem 6 - 11 cm long, 5 - 15 mm thick; tawny to reddish orange; with veil remains
Stem Shapes
Club Shaped
Stem Surfaces
With Reticulum
Flesh
Cream or pale yellow, tan
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Rusty brown
Odor
Faintly reminiscent of radish.
Body Color
Brown
Yellow
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The deadly webcap is commonly found in coniferous forests where it forms a symbiotic relationship with pine or spruce. Its fruitbodies grow up from the ground, near the roots of the host tree. Underground, the fungus is busy exchanging vital nutrients with these roots.
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Is Deadly webcap Toxic?
Deadly webcap is nephrotoxic and poses serious threats to human health, causing ailments like intense thirst, renal discomfort, elevated urea levels, late-stage uremic vomiting, and organ damage, severely affecting the liver and kidneys and resulting in transparent urine due to kidney failure. Its distinct morphology sets it apart from other, non-toxic varieties. Deadly webcap can typically be found in various habitats depending on the season and conditions.
Toxins type
Orellanine
Type of poisoning
Nephrotoxic
Toxic Severity
Extreme toxicity
Incubation Period
2-17 days, 4-24 hours with potential early symptoms
Poisoning Symptoms
Intense thirst, parched mouth, aching head, renal discomfort, elevated urea, organ damage, high blood pressure, late stage uremic vomiting, liver and kidney destruction, transparent urine post kidney failure.
Is Deadly webcap Toxic to Dogs?
Deadly webcap contains a persistent toxin called Orellanine that is highly toxic and life-threatening to dogs and other mammals. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, flu-like effects, and eventual kidney failure and death. Seek immediate medical assistance for your dog if you believe that it has eaten this mushroom, which grows in forest litter.
Similar Species to Deadly webcap
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Tips for Finding Deadly webcap
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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Deadly webcap
Prefers wet, acidic soil.
What are Some Tips for Finding Deadly webcap
Investigate the areas around the base of pine and spruce trees, where deadly webcap is likely to grow.
Look for small groups rather than solitary specimens, as deadly webcap tends to fruit in clusters.
Focus on the dampest parts of woodlands, where the soil is often more acidic.
Gently move aside any fallen needles or leaf litter, as deadly webcap can sometimes be partially obscured.
Check for the characteristic color and features of deadly webcap to avoid confusing them with other species.
How to Clean and Preserve Deadly webcap
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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