WARNING:

POISONOUS MUSHROOMS

• Introduction
• Policy
• Lawns and Boulevards
• Trees
• Problem Weeds
• Mushrooms

There are many varieties of mushrooms growing in the Lower Mainland – both edible and poisonous.  Mushroom identification is a complex process that should best be left to expert mycologists or seasoned mushroom hunters. Since many of the poisonous mushrooms resemble the edible ones, we strongly recommend that you do not eat wild mushrooms you have picked yourself. Some of the poisonous mushrooms that may be found in the lower mainland include the Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides), the Fly Agaric (A. muscaria), the Panther Cap (A. pantherina) and some members of the Cortinarius and Inocybe species of mushrooms

DEATH CAP MUSHROOM

Photos by Paul Kroeger

(Amanita phalloides)

Impacts:

• Highly toxic – Ingesting this mushroom will result in severe poisoning.
• Symptoms may include abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea and if left untreated, liver damage and possibly death may occur.

Description:

• 5-20 cm tall mushroom with a 5-15 cm wide cap. The cap is smooth and either pale yellow, olive green or brownish in colour.
• The stem is white and typically has a persistent skirt-like ring just below the cap.
• The base of the stem is encased in ragged cup- or sac-like structure. This structure is often hidden underground or under plant debris.
• Resembles the edible Paddy Straw Mushroom.
• It has been found growing under hornbeams, oaks, lindens, beeches, chestnuts and filberts but may also occur under other trees.

First Aid:

• If accidentally ingested, immediately contact the Poison Control Centre at 604-682-5050

For more information:

• If you would like more information on mushrooms, please contact the Vancouver Mycological Society at www.vanmyco.com
• For information on mushroom poisoning symptoms, please visit the North American Mycological Association's website at www.namyco.org/toxicology/poison_syndromes.html
• The Poisonous Mushroms of Haida Gwaii by Paul Kroeger