10 poisonous mushrooms to watch out for in Britain
Forages beware.
Britain is home to a number of poisonous mushrooms. While some can cause side effects like nausea, blurred vision and diarrhoea if eaten, the consumption of others can be fatal. So it raises the question, which ones are no-gos and what are the risks?
From the 'jack o' lantern' to the 'panther cap', these are the mushrooms to steer clear of.
1. Amanita phalloides (death cap)
One of the world’s deadliest mushrooms, death caps are said to have been behind the death of the Roman emperor Claudius in 54AD. Although they taste pleasant and resemble many safer varieties of mushroom, just 1oz is enough to kill a human. In 2013, an inquest heard that a woman died after adding them to soup.
2. Amanita virosa (destroying angel)
With a name like that, it’s no wonder that it’s best to steer clear of this highly toxic mushroom. The toxins within it attack the liver and kidneys, often fatally, and there is no established antidote. A liver transplant is often the only way to avoid death.
3. Cortinarius rubellus and C. orellanus (deadly webcap/fool's webcap)
Not often found in the south of England but much more common up north, this pair of mushrooms are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK. It was deadly webcaps (pictured) that Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer, his wife and two other relatives are thought to have been accidentally poisoned by in 2008.
4. Amanita pantherina (panther cap)
Its close resemblance to the edible blusher mushroom has caused many a forager to accidentally ingest a panther cap. It causes hallucinations and sickness, and in some cases may be fatal.
5. Amanita muscaria (fly agaric)
With its bright red hue and distinctive white spots, the fly agaric looks like the quintessential toadstool of children’s fairytales. It is, however, poisonous– though eating one is more likely to make you feel sick or delirious than kill you.
6. Gyromitra esculenta (false morel)
This tasty mushroom is a popular delicacy in Scandinavia and parts of Eastern Europe – but always comes with health warnings. Why? It’s safe to eaten if cooked, but is poisonous if raw.
7. Clitocybe rivulosa (fool's funnel)
Also called "the sweating mushroom", this mushroom can cause nausea, diarrhoea, blurred vision and (as its nickname suggests) sweating. It can cause death in severe cases.
8. Boletus satanas (devil's bolete)
This mushroom is rare in Britain (it's usually found in the south) but is much more common in Europe. It can provoke nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting for hours on end, but it is not usually fatal. Like many toxic mushrooms, it is much more dangerous raw.
9. Agaricus xanthodermus (yellow-stainer)
Widespread in woods, garden and hedgerows, this mushroom can cause severe gastrointestinal problems as well as sweating and flushing.
10. Omphalotus olearius (jack o' lantern)
This poisonous mushroom is rare (it's generally found in North America) but can cause a range of symptoms, including cramps and diarrhoea. Its name arises from the fact it glows slightly in the dark.
