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Jack-o'-lantern

Omphalotus olearius

A species of Omphalotus

The jack-o'-lantern (Omphalotus olearius) lives up to its nickname in more ways than one. Not only are the caps often large, round, and as orange as pumpkins, but at night these mushrooms even glow. In the darkness, their bioluminescent gills can be seen emitting a spooky green light. In fitting with the scary theme, this fungus is also extremely poisonous.

Cap Diameter:

7 - 20 cm

Odor:

Pleasantly strong, not particularly unique aroma.

General Info About Jack-o'-lantern

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Attributes of Jack-o'-lantern

Cap Diameter

7 - 20 cm

Height

4 - 14 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 12 cm across; broadly convex; bright brownish orange to yellowish orange; margin slightly inrolled

Cap Shape

Convex, Depressed, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Decurrent; close; orange

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 3.5 - 9 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; pale orange to orange; solid

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Pale orange

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Whitish

Odor

Pleasantly strong, not particularly unique aroma.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Orange

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Uncommon but far from rare

Endangered Species

How to Identify Jack-o'-lantern

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Jack-o'-lantern

The jack-o'-lantern can be found in woodland settings, but also in landscaped areas. It usually grows from decaying buried roots of trees, on stumps, and decaying wood. It is very common with olive trees in southern Europe.

Scientific Classification of Jack-o'-lantern

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Marasmiaceae

Genus

Omphalotus

Toxicity and Edibility of Jack-o'-lantern

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Is Jack-o'-lantern Toxic?

Jack-o'-lantern' is typically found in decaying wood or forest areas, especially during warmer seasons. With its neurotoxic properties, it may cause severe physical symptoms such as consciousness clouding, perspiration, digestion problems, and even paralysis. Its noticeable orange glow may help in distinguishing it from other non-toxic species. Any interaction with 'jack-o'-lantern' should be supervised due to its potential danger to human health.

Toxins type

Muscarine

Type of poisoning

Neurotoxic

Toxic Severity

High toxicity

Incubation Period

0.25-4 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Nerve toxin, consciousness clouding, pupil shrinkage, paralysis, perspiration, blood pressure drop, digestion issues, vomiting, diarrhea, severe asthma in extreme cases.

Is Jack-o'-lantern Toxic to Dogs?

Jack-o'-lantern contains Iludin S., a toxin that is poisonous to dogs and many other animals. The symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The distinct smell of this mushroom is appealing to dogs, increasing the chances of poisoning.

Similar Species to Jack-o'-lantern

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Tips for Finding Jack-o'-lantern

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What are Some Tips for Finding Jack-o'-lantern

Look for large clusters of jack-o'-lantern on tree stumps and around the base where the roots of hardwood trees, particularly oaks and olives, are buried.
Inspect areas under and around olive trees, as jack-o'-lantern favors the material associated with these trees.
Search in areas where trees have been recently cut down or where there are decomposing hardwood stumps, as jack-o'-lantern thrives on the decomposing wood.
Interact with local foraging groups to learn about specific locations where jack-o'-lantern has been spotted, as these mushrooms often reappear in the same areas.