Poisonous mushrooms

To guide you on picking mushrooms in the UK and identifying poisonous varieties, I'll provide general information about common edible and poisonous mushrooms found in the region. However, please remember that mushroom foraging requires expertise, as many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes. Always consult an expert or use a reliable guide when foraging for mushrooms.

Edible Mushrooms in the UK

1. Penny Bun (Boletus edulis)

   • Also known as the Cep or Porcini, it has a brown, slightly sticky cap and white to yellow pores underneath that do not bruise blue. It grows in woodlands and is prized for its flavor.

2. Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)

   • Recognizable by its golden yellow color, funnel shape, and the fact that it has wrinkles or ridges on the underside rather than gills. Chanterelles have a fruity smell and are found in mossy, damp forests.

3. Morel (Morchella spp.)

   • Distinctive for their honeycomb appearance, morels are highly sought after. They have a conical shape and are usually found in woodland areas in spring.

4. Field Mushroom (Agaricus campestris)

   • Looks similar to the common supermarket mushroom but grows in grasslands. It has a white cap that can turn a bit brown with age, pink to brown gills, and a ring on its stalk.

Poisonous Mushrooms to Avoid

1. Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

   • Extremely toxic, even a small bite can be fatal. It has a greenish cap, white gills, and a white stalk with a ring. It resembles some edible species, which makes it particularly dangerous.

2. Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa)

   • Similar in appearance to the Death Cap, with a pure white cap, stalk, and gills. All parts of the mushroom are deadly poisonous.

3. Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

   • Easily identifiable by its bright red cap with white spots, it's toxic and can cause hallucinations, nausea, and swelling in the brain.

4. Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)

   • Similar to the Fly Agaric but has a brown cap with white spots. It's also toxic, causing dizziness, vomiting, and muscle twitching.

Safety Tips for Mushroom Foraging

• Never eat a wild mushroom unless it's been positively identified as safe by an expert.
• Avoid picking mushrooms near polluted areas as they can absorb toxins.
• Use a field guide or an app with photos for identification, but still confirm with an expert if possible.

For images and more detailed information on these mushrooms, I recommend consulting a dedicated mushroom foraging guide or a database specific to UK fungi. Always err on the side of caution when foraging for wild mushrooms.