Toxic Omphalotus illudens Mushroom Cluster Commonly Known as The Jack-O-Lantern
Cathy Isom continues her series on mushrooms by giving us a few tips about what’s safe and what’s not safe, when foraging for mushrooms. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Foraging for Safe, Edible Mushrooms
Pigskin Poison Puffball
September is National Mushroom Month and that may have many foraging enthusiasts out on the hunt for mushrooms. Non-edible mushrooms are often found in the wild, though they are sometimes found in yards. However, it can be difficult to determine whether a mushroom is safe to eat or poisonous. Mushrooms that have red on the cap or stem are known to be poisonous. You should also avoid eating mushrooms that have white gills, a skirt or a ring on the stem. Here are some the most dangerous fungi and some of the most common toxic look-a-likes to be aware of while foraging.
- Destroying Angel
- Death Cap
- Deadly Galerina
- Green Spored Lepiota
- Jack O’Lantern
- And Pigskin Poison Puffball
Before heading out in the wild, it’s important to do your research, whether online or consulting with an experienced mushroom foraging enthusiast.
I’m Cathy Isom…