Every year, thousands of people worldwide become ill or lose their lives after ingesting toxic mushrooms.
Whether you are a picking enthusiast or simply curious to learn more about these sometimes deadly wonders of nature, it is essential to know the dangers posed by certain mushrooms.
In this article, we present the 10 most toxic mushrooms in the world, their health effects, how to identify them, and fascinating anecdotes about their danger.
Known as the "Death Cap," the Amanita phalloides is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. It has an olive green cap, white gills, and a white volva.
This amanita is probably responsible for the death of some famous historical figures such as the Roman emperor Claude or the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI.
Source: Benjamin, D. R. (1995). Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas. New York: WH Freeman and Company.
This small brown mushroom often grows on rotting wood and resembles edible mushrooms like the honey mushroom. However, it is extremely toxic and contains deadly toxins similar to those of the death cap mushroom.
For example, in 2008, a group of hikers in Oregon consumed Galerina marginata thinking they were honey mushrooms. One of them died while the others suffered severe kidney failure.
Source: Beug, M. W., Shaw, M., & Cochran, K. W. (2006). "Thirty-Plus Years of Mushroom Poisoning: Summary of the Approximately 2,000 Reports in the NAMA Case Registry". McIlvainea.
The Cortinarius orellanus is an orange-brown mushroom often found in forests. It contains a toxin called orellanine that causes severe kidney damage.
Anecdote: In 1979, a Swedish scientist, after eating a mushroom soup containing this mushroom, had to be treated with dialysis for several weeks to avoid permanent kidney failure.
Source: Bresinsky, A., & Besl, H. (1990). A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Fungi. Wolfe Publishing Ltd.
https://www.mycodb.fr/fiche.php?genre=Cortinarius&espece=speciosissimus&numphoto=5&source=list&filter=&numfiche=1989
This red mushroom, rare and mainly found in Asia, is extremely toxic. It contains trichothecenes, mycotoxins that can cause hair loss, organ failure, and death. An outbreak of deaths in 1999 in Japan was linked to the consumption of this mushroom by foragers who confused it with a medicinal mushroom.
Source: Hall, I. R., et al. (2003). Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms of the World. Timber Press.
Nicknamed the "brain mushroom" due to its wrinkled appearance, the Gyromitra is extremely toxic. It contains gyromitrin, which transforms into a powerful toxin once ingested. In Finland, despite its toxicity, it is sometimes consumed after careful preparation, but poisoning cases still occur every year.
Source: Michelot, D., & Toth, B. (1991). "Poisoning by Gyromitra esculenta—A Review". Journal of Applied Toxicology.
The white Clitocybe is a small mushroom that often grows in lawns and meadows. It contains muscarine, a toxin dangerous to humans. In 2014, in southern France, a 3-year-old child was hospitalized after ingesting this mushroom in his garden. Fortunately, thanks to rapid medical intervention, he survived.
Source: Noordeloos, M. E. (2012). Fungi of Temperate Europe. Princeton University Press.
The brown-incarnate Lepiota is a small mushroom often confused with edible species, but it is highly toxic and contains amanitin. In Spain, several fatal poisonings were reported in the early 2000s when people confused these mushrooms with edible parasol mushrooms.
Source: Assailly, C., et al. (2003). Mushrooms: How to recognize, pick, and cook them. Paris: Delachaux et Niestlé.
Patouillard's Inocybe is a toxic mushroom with white gills that turn reddish. It contains muscarine, a neurotoxic toxin. In Germany, in 2012, a family confused this mushroom with an edible species, resulting in an emergency hospitalization after severe gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory distress.
Source: Buczacki, S., Shields, C., & Ovenden, D. (2012). Collins Fungi Guide: The Most Complete Field Guide to the Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain & Ireland. HarperCollins Publishers.
Chlorophyllum brunneum is often confused with edible mushrooms, but it causes severe gastrointestinal poisoning. In Australia, a family of five was hospitalized after eating this mushroom, believing it was a parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera).
Source: Young, A. M. (2005). A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia. UNSW Press.
https://www.mycodb.fr/fiche.php?genre=Chlorophyllum&espece=brunneum
Omphalotus illudens, or the "Jack O'Lantern" mushroom, is often confused with edible chanterelles. This bioluminescent mushroom, glowing in the dark, contains toxins that cause severe gastrointestinal disorders. In the United States, many poisoning cases occur each year due to this confusion.
Source: Lincoff, G. H. (1981). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. Knopf.
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omphalotus_illudens
Mobile mushroom recognition apps can be valuable allies for nature lovers and mushroom enthusiasts, offering unprecedented convenience and accessibility. In an instant, they allow identification of species, discovery of information about their toxicity or edibility, and access to extensive databases.
However, these applications are not infallible and must be used with discernment. The accuracy of identification often depends on the quality of the photo, the algorithms used, and the variety of mushrooms in the database.
For serious mushroom pickers, these digital tools should never replace traditional and proven resources, such as specialized mycological guides or advice from experienced mycologists. Mycology is a complex science where many species look alike, and misidentification can have serious, even fatal, consequences.
Hands-on learning, field experience, and consulting experts remain essential for anyone wishing to explore the world of mushrooms safely.
Knowing toxic mushrooms is essential to avoid potentially fatal mistakes. When foraging, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms and always consult an expert if in doubt.
Use reliable resources, such as mycology books or mobile apps, to help you identify mushrooms and stay safe.
Passionate about the fungal world and a committed entrepreneur, Quentin shares his knowledge and expertise through articles and consulting. With the Mycosphere, he aims to raise public awareness about the importance of mushrooms in our ecosystems and to promote innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
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