Ruqayyah Snyder
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and while most are not toxic, some poisonous varieties can be deadly. In Australia, the Deathcap mushroom is responsible for most mushroom-related fatalities. It is dangerous to forage for wild mushrooms, as it can be difficult to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties. There is no single, obvious trait that distinguishes poisonous mushrooms, and many common beliefs about testing mushroom toxicity are incorrect. The only way to tell if a mushroom is safe to eat is to have it identified by a mycologist or another mushroom expert.
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What You'll Learn
Only eat store-bought mushrooms unless you're an expert
Mushrooms are a type of fungus and not a plant, so they grow in very unique ways. There are 2.2 to 3.8 million fungal species on the planet, and only 5% of them are known to humans. While most mushrooms are not toxic, some are deadly. Poisonous mushrooms are only found in the wild.
In Australia, 95% of mushrooms consumed belong to the Agaricus bisporus species, which includes common store-bought varieties like white button mushrooms, cups, BBQ flats, Swiss browns, and portobellos. These mushrooms are grown on farms in high-tech, climate-controlled 'grow rooms' that optimise temperature, water, airflow, and humidity. The compost used to grow these mushrooms is pasteurised at up to 80° to ensure safe growing material.
Due to the vast number of mushroom species, there are no clear-cut rules for distinguishing poisonous mushrooms from edible ones. While some popular beliefs suggest methods to identify poisonous mushrooms, such as their ability to tarnish silverware or peel their caps, these are not reliable indicators. There are no outward characteristics that all poisonous mushrooms have in common, and some poisonous mushrooms may resemble safe, edible varieties in terms of colour, shape, and other physical attributes.
Therefore, it is crucial to only consume mushrooms that have been identified as safe by experts. In Australia, it is recommended to only eat mushrooms purchased from reputable sources, such as supermarkets, greengrocers, or farmers' markets. If you suspect that you or someone else has consumed a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) immediately on 13 11 26 for advice.
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Poisonous mushrooms can look like edible ones
Poisonous mushrooms can indeed look like edible ones, and it is essential to be aware of this when foraging for mushrooms in the wild. Mushroom poisoning is a growing problem, and it can be challenging to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties. There is no home test to determine whether a mushroom is safe to eat or not. The only way to be certain is to have the mushroom identified by a mushroom expert (mycologist).
In Australia, the most common cause of mushroom poisoning is the Agaricus xanthodermus, or Yellow-staining mushroom. This species commonly grows wild in lawns and gardens and resembles edible mushrooms. The cap is usually white but can become brown with age, and it stains yellow when damaged, fading to a dirty brown. The Yellow-staining mushroom also gives off a strong chemical smell, like disinfectant, iodine, or kerosene, which becomes even stronger when cooked.
The Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is another highly poisonous species found in Australia, responsible for most fatalities from mushroom foraging in the country and worldwide. It is visually similar to the edible Agaricus bisporus variety, which includes common store-bought mushrooms like white button mushrooms and portobellos. Other poisonous mushrooms that resemble edible varieties include the Smooth White Parasol (Leucoagaricus leucothites) and the Common Rosegill (Volvopluteus gioicephalus).
To avoid the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms, it is recommended to only eat mushrooms purchased from a trusted supplier, such as a greengrocer or supermarket. If you choose to forage for wild mushrooms, it is crucial to seek guidance from a qualified expert. Remember, if you suspect that you or someone else has ingested a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) immediately on 13 11 26 for advice.
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Deathcaps are the most fatal mushrooms in Australia
Mushrooms are fungi and not plants, and it is estimated that only 5% of the planet's 2.2 to 3.8 million fungal species are known to us. While most mushrooms are not toxic, some poisonous varieties can be deadly. In Australia, the Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is responsible for most fatalities from mushroom foraging. It is aptly named—its toxins cause lethal liver or kidney failure, and there is no known antidote. Poisonous mushrooms are only found in the wild, and there is no home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties. Therefore, it is recommended that you only eat mushrooms purchased from a reputable retailer or source.
Death Caps are highly poisonous mushrooms that grow under oak trees in parks and gardens. They are symbiotic and can only grow in association with specific trees. They produce a range of toxins, including amatoxins such as α-amanitin, which are not inactivated by cooking. The symptoms of Death Cap mushroom poisoning are typically delayed and do not appear for 6 to 12 hours, and sometimes up to 24 to 36 hours after ingestion. Initial symptoms include abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms may subside for a few days, but they are followed by a terminal phase characterised by the recurrence of stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhoea, accompanied by jaundice. Without early medical intervention, death occurs between one and two weeks after mushroom consumption due to liver failure, often accompanied by kidney failure.
Death Caps are visually similar to edible mushroom varieties, and it is easy to mistake them for harmless mushrooms, especially for those who are unfamiliar with them. For example, Death Caps may be mistaken for Straw Mushrooms by those who are familiar with the Asian variety. Additionally, Death Caps can be found growing alongside Volvariella speciosa, a non-toxic mushroom species. The young Death Cap is enclosed in a smooth, white skin and may be mistaken for an immature puffball, as both have white flesh when young. However, a young Death Cap will show the stem and gills, while an immature puffball has solid white flesh inside.
To identify a Death Cap mushroom, it typically has a smooth, yellowish-green to olive-brown cap, white gills, a white stem, and a membranous skirt on the stem. The cap is initially hemispherical but flattens as it expands. The underside of the cap has pale lamellae and an annulus on the stipe, and the base of the stipe has a saccate volva. The Death Cap is common in many Canberra suburbs and Melbourne, and it can be found in most autumns and sometimes winters near oak trees. In Victoria, Death Caps have been reported in various suburbs and regional areas. In regional Victoria, Death Caps have been reported in Bendigo, Bright, Castlemaine, Gisborne, and Wandiligong.
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There's no home test to distinguish edible mushrooms
There is no single, obvious trait that will tell you whether a mushroom is poisonous before you eat it. There are some defining traits, but they aren't always easy to see and aren't always present. There is no home test that can distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties of wild fungi or mushrooms. The only way to tell if a mushroom is edible is by positive identification. There is no room for experimentation.
Symptoms of the most dangerous mushrooms affecting the central nervous system may show up after several days, by which time it is too late to reverse their effects. It is not a skill that is impossible to learn—people have been gathering mushrooms for centuries. But it is a skill that takes a lot of practice and is better learned with an expert. The only way to tell whether a wild mushroom is safe to eat is to have it identified by a mushroom expert (mycologist). If you are unsure if a mushroom is safe to eat, don’t eat it. It is recommended that you only eat mushrooms you have bought from the supermarket, greengrocer, or another reputable source.
Some good rules apply for avoiding poisonous mushrooms if you are a novice: avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. Toxic Galerina, jack o'lantern, shaggy parasols, and false morel mushrooms have lookalikes. Learn to distinguish them to stay safe. Studying field guides and with mycological groups can help you become an expert at identifying poisonous mushrooms.
Knowing the colour of the spore print can be very helpful as it helps narrow down your search by telling you what the mushroom isn’t. A spore print can be obtained simply by removing the stem and placing the mushroom gills down on a piece of clear glass or paper for a few hours, preferably overnight. The colour of the spore print can be very useful to start following ‘keys’ in a mushroom guide.
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If you suspect poisoning, call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, it is important to act quickly and call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) immediately on 13 11 26. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached from anywhere in Australia. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as some poisonous mushrooms can be deadly. While waiting for assistance, it is helpful to have a sample of the mushroom, as staff at the VPIC may ask for a photo to aid in species identification and risk assessment.
The VPIC provides information and advice on poisoning, medication mistakes, and bites or stings from various animals and insects. When you call, a trained staff member will take a brief history and provide you with appropriate advice. They will also inform you if you need to seek further treatment through your doctor or the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
It is important to note that if the person experiencing suspected mushroom poisoning has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a seizure or fit, or is suffering from an anaphylactic reaction, do not call the VPIC. In such emergency situations, immediately dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. Wild mushrooms can be difficult to identify, and some varieties, like the Death Cap and Yellow-staining mushroom, can be extremely toxic and even deadly. There are no reliable home tests to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, and the only way to accurately identify a wild mushroom is to have it examined by a mushroom expert or mycologist.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single, obvious trait that will tell you whether a mushroom is poisonous before you eat it. Some sources suggest that you can obtain a spore print by removing the stem and placing the mushroom gills down on a piece of clear glass or paper overnight. The colour of the spore print can help you narrow down your search. However, the only way to tell if a mushroom is safe to eat is to have it identified by a mushroom expert (mycologist).
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty breathing. Poisonous mushrooms can also affect the central nervous system, and these symptoms may show up after several days when it is too late to reverse their effects. In the case of Death Cap mushrooms, toxins can cause lethal liver or kidney failure.
If you suspect that you have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention. Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) immediately on 13 11 26. It may be necessary for you to seek treatment through your doctor or the emergency department of your nearest hospital. It is helpful to have a sample of the mushroom.
There are some popular rules for picking safe mushrooms, such as "it's okay if you can peel the cap" or "mushrooms growing on wood are safe". However, these rules are not always accurate, and it is not worth the risk of consuming wild mushrooms unless they have been identified by an expert.
