What poisonous mushrooms are there? Carefully! Deadly poisonous mushrooms! List of life-threatening mushrooms

When going on a “mushroom hunt”, many people think about the dangers poisonous mushrooms. And no wonder, because the same type of forest fruit can be a deadly mushroom, and at the same time contain useful substances, used in pharmacology.

This article offers a description of poisonous mushrooms, first aid recommendations for poisoning with poisonous mushrooms, as well as others useful tips regarding such tasty, but sometimes extremely dangerous gifts of the forest.

The British Mycological Society has a huge list of fungal species with their scientific and common English names. Experts expect a good season. “There is real momentum at the moment,” said Olaf Gebert, chairman of the Saxony Mushroom Council working group. Chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, chanterelles and mushrooms can be found in the forest. After it was too dry for a long time, prevailed optimal conditions. Mushrooms need rain and temperatures between 16 and 23 degrees.

But we only collect fruiting bodies. The actual mushroom lives underground. The fruiting bodies produce spores that are blown away like dust by the wind. Threads sprout from them and develop into an underground network that grows in all directions and gradually dies beyond the growth zone. This creates what are called “witch rings” of mushrooms: circles of fruiting bodies.

Residents different countries or even regions of the same state may treat mushroom species completely differently. For example, some mushroom pickers consider champignons toadstools and even mark their growing areas with signs “Caution! Poisonous mushrooms." Although everyone knows that this is a magnificent edible delicacy, consumed in many world cuisines. Apparently, the reason is that the most poisonous mushroom - toadstool - is very easy to confuse with edible champignon, and this can lead to severe poisoning.

One of the most popular is the trumpet mushroom, named for the spore-filled tubes under the hat. The fungus can easily be confused with the inedible gall, which already thrives in humid coniferous forests from July. However, the beard has a bulbous white stalk, the gallbladder has a thin stalk with a dark mesh. Therefore, you should never go mushroom hunting without a guide.

Mushrooms with a plank under the hat are called agarics. Among them is the meadow mushroom, which is often confused with the highly toxic white tuberous mushroom. However, the mushroom lamellas have pink to a brownish color, and the colored bud is white. In addition, the strawberry mushroom is not found in meadows, but in forests - just like its relative, the deadly green strawberry mushroom. Both have a ring around the stem and an unpleasant odor.

The most poisonous mushroom: toadstool

The leader among poisonous and even deadly mushrooms. In this case, poisoning makes itself felt only 8-12 hours after the poison enters the body.

Their effect is particularly complex: “The green tuber fungus is responsible for 95 percent of all fatal fungal poisonings,” says environmental journalist Kurt Mündl. Already 50 grams fresh mushroom enough to kill an adult. Only after 8-24 hours, when quite a lot of liver cells have been destroyed, colic, diarrhea and nausea appear.

Experts recommend saving leftover food and vomit in any case so that it can be quickly identified in an emergency that the fungus is responsible for poisoning. According to the German Society of Mycology, five people died from fungal poisoning last year. But the least poisonous mushrooms are life-threatening; most irritate only the digestive tract or excite nervous system.

If a person eats a poisonous mushroom, a series of attacks occurs, which are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and cold sweat. The limbs begin to get cold, the pulse slows down, but the victim still remains conscious. Without immediate medical attention, death occurs after approximately two weeks.

The legendary toadstool is a fly agaric: whether the Old Norse "berserker" who was said to have fought as if intoxicated actually ate a fly agaric is in dispute today in research. But one thing is for sure: the muscarine and ibotenic acid in volatile agar can cause intoxicating effects.

Siberian shamans still use this when they begin their trance journey into the spiritual realm. Even a reindeer that has too many fly agarics must stagger or collapse afterwards. Although fly agarics are not one of the deadliest poisonous toads, deaths do occur. In fact, it is easy to recognize and can even be easily distinguished from the edible "red cap" with its white scaly red cap. It has a brown tiled stem, fly agaric is white.

Poison in fly agaric mushrooms

Fly agaric poisoning is not so strong and appears after a couple of hours. This is explained by the fact that the poison content in these mushrooms is not as high as in pale toadstools.

The victim begins to hallucinate, vomiting, convulsions, and diarrhea. Such poisonings rarely end in death, although fly agaric mushrooms contain galvelic acid, one of the most dangerous. It’s good that this poisonous type of mushroom is easy to identify: the rings on the leg of the fly agaric are clearly visible, and it itself bright color and has club-shaped thickenings with a sheath.

Since fungi without chlorophyll cannot photosynthesize like plants, but also do not feed on animal or plant proteins like animals, taxonomists credit biologists with their own empire. It is divided into slime fungi, algae fungi, ascomycetes and mushrooms, of which about a thousand species are known throughout the world.

The danger of fungi that have accumulated toxicants from the external environment

But what do mushrooms eat if they cannot develop carbohydrates from photosynthesis? They have a special ability to release nutrients from dead organic matter: for themselves and often also for the trees they grow under. The germination of birch, for example, causes the birch roots to blow and supplies them with water, mineral salts and nitrogen. The tree, in turn, receives sugar, which it produces with the help of its leafy greens, down to the fungus - the supply community.

Deadly mushrooms: poisons and toxins in mushrooms

Deadly dangerous mushrooms contain toxic substances, but despite this, they are called. For example, the toxin gyrotomine from the common string is completely removed with careful heat treatment. If the mushrooms are not boiled in boiling water with several changes of water, then this toxin will disrupt the natural metabolism of amino acids and block the action of vitamin B6, which is vital for humans.

Conservists don't like mushroom picking. “Mushroom picking has become popular view sports,” complain Michael Lohmann and Wilhelm Eisenreich in their book Nature in the Yearly Exodus. And the German Union for Nature Conservation warns of overexploitation of fungal populations: about a third of native mushrooms are already on the red list of endangered species. Many regions have restrictions on collection.

In general: the mushroom should be carefully removed from the ground so as not to damage the underground network - and only put it in a basket if you can safely identify it. In addition, it is best not to pick mushrooms on the side of the road or in public parks, as mushrooms always eat up the burden of the soil.

Neurotoxins are a class of mushroom poisons that, as a rule, do not kill, but cause a lot of harm. When they enter the human body, they disrupt the transmission of any nerve impulses. Poisoning is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, excessive salivation, headache and weakness. In some cases, visual hallucinations and unpleasant tinnitus may occur. Often, even after the end of treatment, there may be consequences of poisoning that are difficult to cope with.

Mushrooms, also known as campams in some parts of the Americas, are the fruiting bodies of a variety of multicellular fungi. They usually grow in low light and high humidity conditions. Some species are edible, others have psychoactive effects, and others are highly poisonous. Below is a selection featuring some of the most unique mushrooms on Earth. Wonders of nature that deserve deep knowledge when manipulated.

Deadly poisonous mushrooms

Its bluish appearance is stunning. When it is broken or cut it releases indigo blue or indigo latex, but slowly turns green when it comes into contact with air. Its “hat” measures from 5 to 15 centimeters in diameter. This is a mushroom widespread in America and East Asia. Commonly known as purple coral or purple coral, this is a striking mushroom. They grow up to 10 cm in height and 7 cm in width. They typically grow in forest soil where they feed on decaying organic matter.

Amanita and Patuillara contain such a dangerous toxin as muscarine, which causes the development of mycoatropine syndrome. But if everyone knows the fly agaric, then Patouillard fiber is easily confused with russula. Its main difference is the protruding hump in the center of the cap. Fiber poisoning begins with slight disturbances in visual abilities and increased salivation, then diarrhea and vomiting are added, and blood pressure increases. Many mushrooms contain enzymes that can be digested by a healthy body. However, if a person has any problems with the intestines or pancreas, then it is not worth taking risks and trying these types of mushrooms (for example, pig mushrooms).

It has a wide distribution and has been found in Australia, New Zealand, South America and Asia. IN North America distribution is limited to the northeastern regions of the continent. They are strange to find in Europe, where they are endangered. In Ireland it is used as an indicator species to help assess fungal diversity nutrients in rangelands, the habitat is also at risk.

They are edible mushrooms ascomycetes with a very unique aspect and are highly valued in French and Spanish gastronomy. It has a hat in a spherical round shape, 6 to 10 cm wide, with a characteristic shape similar to a shershet's nest. They are very difficult to find because they are not easy to distinguish with the naked eye. Only with the keen and experienced eye of an experienced mushroom picker can you find them.

Help for poisoning: what to do if you eat a poisonous mushroom

Knowing what to do if you eat a poisonous mushroom can save your life and the life of the poisoned person. It is extremely important to know what to do if you are poisoned by poisonous mushrooms, especially when the first symptoms appear.

In the first stages, the hat is covered with a whitish veil. Later, when it is torn, it will become hemispherical to end up. The cuticle is bright red, with shades ranging from orange to dark yellow. The lower surface is covered with sheets, usually white and independent. Its leg is clearly colored and can reach up to 24 cm in height and 3 cm in thickness. Its consumption as a hallucinogen has been documented from Siberia, and these mushrooms are consumed by shamans of some tribes. These tribes dried the mushrooms in the sun and ate them.

It grows near the roots of beech, black pine, fir and birch. Its consumption in large quantities may cause coma. The neurotoxic effect is due to a component called muscimol, a powerful hallucinogen. They are distributed in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. It grows on trunks deciduous trees, especially oaks, beech and birch. Its unique aspect is determined by its bioluminescence.

The danger is that in most cases, symptoms do not appear immediately, so it is important to take prompt measures. First aid for poisoning with poisonous mushrooms is activated carbon and drinking plenty of water. Laxatives or emetics will also help clear the stomach and intestines of toxic substances. Under no circumstances should you drink alcohol: it will only speed up the absorption of the poison into the blood. If you feel unwell after eating mushrooms, you should immediately seek medical help. And most importantly, do not take mushrooms unless you know exactly what class they belong to. It is better to bring home a very small harvest, but remain healthy and protect loved ones from the serious consequences of poisoning. If you consider yourself a beginner in the so-called quiet hunt, before going into the forest, carefully study the guide to the types of mushrooms; it is advisable that it contains photographs. Take it with you and use it to check whether a mushroom belongs to a particular group. The most important thing in this matter is awareness and caution.

It is native to Brazil but is found in the Americas and Europe. The study showed that the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in them is responsible for the characteristic opening of the outer layers. Calcium occalate is a common compound found in many mushrooms.

Some cultures used this type of mushroom as a medicine for eye infections and respiratory problems. This mushroom of the order agaric is also known as pigeon pea, amanita caesars, king's egg or egg yolk. It can be found in Europe mainly from cork oaks, oaks, oaks, chestnut trees and occasionally conifers. They are desired in gastronomy for the taste and smell of their meat, being able to be consumed even raw.


Mushrooms, in addition to nutrients, can also contain toxins. If their concentration is high, then such a product becomes dangerous to human health or even life. Deadly poisonous mushrooms in Russia can be found in any region. Therefore, for lovers quiet hunt must be remembered distinctive features and favorite places for such specimens to grow.

Warning: The identification of the mushroom and its suitability for edible or not can be carried out and certified by mycological experts or control centers of the competent health authorities. Insufficient information or incomplete information may cause damage by poisoning or fatal poisoning. Consuming mushrooms without the right information can put your health at risk.

Precautions when collecting and using mushrooms

One of the foods that produces more cases of fatal poisoning in Spain are poisonous mushrooms. They are usually consumed out of ignorance as they may resemble other types of edible mushrooms. If you are intoxicated, it is very important to see a doctor to receive appropriate treatment.

Types of mushrooms

All mushrooms can be divided into four large groups:

  1. Edible. They can be eaten without fear. They do not contain any toxic substances. Non-poisonous mushrooms can only pose a danger to those who suffer from allergies.
  2. Inedible. They do not contain toxic substances, but they cannot be eaten as they have an unpleasant taste or smell.
  3. Conditionally edible. In their raw form they are dangerous to humans. Their consumption can lead to serious poisoning. If they are subjected to proper processing, including heat, then they can be eaten.
  4. Poisonous. These are mushrooms with high content toxic substances. Even after processing they do not lose their toxic properties.. And for severe poisoning Sometimes it is enough to eat a small piece of such a product.

It is the poisonous specimens that pose the greatest danger to humans. The features of the most dangerous of them must be thoroughly studied.

Differences between poisonous and inedible mushrooms

Nevertheless, best way to avoid possible poisoning - know which are the most toxic mushrooms in Spain. Therefore, you can avoid consuming them without wanting to! Click on what interests you most! Poisonous mushrooms in Spain can be one of the most toxic and dangerous products that we can eat. There have been cases of death due to mushroom poisoning. Between 5 and 10 people a year typically die from eating poisonous mushrooms.

Poisonous mushrooms are not suitable for human consumption as they usually have a high level of toxicity. Keep in mind that some are only poisonous when raw, but lose their toxicity when cooked. It is necessary to distinguish between the type of toxic mushrooms: hallucinogenic mushrooms. These mushrooms affect both thinking and behavior, producing psychedelic as well as toxic effects.

Mushrooms high in phallotoxins and amatoxins

The most poisonous mushrooms in Russia contain phallotoxin or amatoxin. The danger of these substances is that symptoms appear after the poison has had its effect. A few hours later, severe diarrhea, cramps, and irresistible thirst begin. After three days the person feels noticeably better. But after another day the liver fails and the person dies. Phallotoxins and amatoxins are found in the following mushrooms:

  1. Pale grebe– the most poisonous mushroom in the world. Inexperienced mushroom pickers may confuse them with russula or row mushrooms. The pale grebe hides in coniferous forests, birch forests and oak groves. The diameter of the cap does not exceed 10 cm. In a young specimen it has a bell-shaped shape. With age it becomes flat. Color can vary from white to yellowish-olive. Frequent records have white. The maximum length of the leg is 12 cm. It is hollow inside. May be white or have a slight yellowish tint. A large concentration of toxins is found in all parts of the mushroom, including the mycelium and spores. This is the most dangerous mushroom on earth, so information about it should be known to all mushroom pickers without exception.
  2. Red fly agaric. This bright, attractive mushroom is difficult to confuse with others. It is distinguished by a convex cap, colored bright red with white or yellowish flakes. Young specimens may not have such flakes. The plates are white. The length of the leg can reach 20 cm. It is also painted white and has a yellowish ring. The fly agaric loves coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests. He feels most comfortable in a birch forest.
  3. Galerina bordered. It is often confused with summer honey mushrooms. The diameter of the cap does not exceed 5 cm. Its shape is initially bell-shaped, and as it grows it turns into a flat one. Painted brownish-yellow. After rain, the color may change. The leg is thin, no more than 0.5 cm in diameter. Length up to 5 cm. Has a yellowish ring covered with a powdery coating. Most often, galerina can be found on rotting coniferous wood.

Correctly recognizing edible and poisonous mushrooms can save lives. Even small piece this product can be fatal.

If you doubt that a mushroom you find in the forest is edible, do not pick it. It's better to return home with an empty basket than to risk your life.

Mushrooms containing muscarine

Muscarine belongs to the group of neurotoxins. First of all, it affects the human nervous system. All poisonous mushrooms containing this substance can lead to hallucinations. Consumption of large quantities of this product and failure to provide assistance in a timely manner can lead to death. The first signs of poisoning appear half an hour after consumption. Initially, the complexion changes, salivation increases, shortness of breath appears, the victim falls into a feverish state, and the heartbeat quickens.

Poisonous forest mushrooms containing muscarine:

  • Panther fly agaric. Prefers coniferous and deciduous forests. Its cap can reach 10 cm in diameter. Painted red-yellow or brown. Small white flakes are scattered over the entire surface. White leg has a thickening at the bottom. In its upper part there is a wide ring. Has white thin plates.
  • The fiber is sharp. A small mushroom, the diameter of the cap does not exceed 4 cm. Young specimens have a bell-shaped cap. As it develops, it becomes flat-convex with a small tubercle in the center. The cap of old fibers cracks. When exposed to air, the pulp oxidizes and changes color. The length of the leg does not exceed 4 cm. It has a cylindrical shape, slightly thickening at the bottom. On its upper part you can notice a light powdery coating. Fiberwort can be found in coniferous forests and near swamps. The shape of the cap of these mushrooms is similar to honey mushrooms, which makes them dangerous for inexperienced mushroom pickers.
  • The talker is whitish. The edges of the cap are slightly wavy and slightly curved at the bottom. Its diameter does not exceed 6 cm. It is painted white or light gray. A powdery coating is noticeable on the surface of the cap, which is easy to remove. In damp weather the mushroom becomes slimy. The diameter of the leg does not exceed 0.5 cm. Its length is no more than 4 cm. There are small nut-colored spots on the surface of the leg. These poisonous mushrooms grow on forest edges, clearings and small clearings. Sometimes you can even see them in a city park.
  • Earthen fibre. The small cap has a conical shape. As the fungus develops, it straightens out. You can see a small bump in the center. The color of the cap can be different: white, cream, purple or light pink. Small cracks are visible on the edges. The pulp has unpleasant smell. The leg is thin, no more than 6 cm long. It can be straight or slightly curved.

The toxic poison contained in such mushrooms can cause irreparable harm to your health. Therefore, before going into the forest, carefully study the characteristics of poisonous specimens.

If you notice the first symptoms of mushroom poisoning, call immediately ambulance. Self-medication in this case can cost you your life.

Mushrooms containing intestinal toxins

Poisonous mushrooms also include those that contain intestinal toxins. The use of such a product leads to serious gastric and intestinal disorders. The first symptoms appear after a couple of hours. A person suffers from attacks of nausea, severe headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. Such poisonings rarely lead to death, but have a negative impact on human health. These mushrooms include:

  1. Entoloma is poisonous. Most often found on the edges or near bushes in the young part of the forest. The entoloma cap is quite large, its diameter can reach 17 cm. It has a white or flesh color. The length of the leg is up to 10 cm. It has a regular cylindrical shape and a velvety surface that is pleasant to the touch. After breaking the entoloma, you will feel the light aroma of fresh flour.
  2. Yellow-skinned champignon. It can be identified by its large cap covered with yellowish skin. In the center you can see a small brown spot. If you press on the cap, its color changes slightly and becomes more yellow. The cap of young specimens has a rounded shape. As it matures, it becomes bell-shaped. The height can reach 15 cm. At the same time, the leg is quite thin, no more than 2 cm. It is hollow inside. If you cook the yellow-skinned champignon, you will notice a pungent phenolic odor. This mushroom actively begins to grow after summer and autumn rains. You can find it in mixed forests.
  3. False honey fungus is sulfur-yellow. It is widely distributed in forests of various types. It can be seen on stumps or at the bottom of tree trunks. The cap is bell-shaped and does not exceed 5 cm in diameter. As the mushroom develops, it becomes flat. There is a small tubercle in the middle. The hollow leg can be either straight or with a slight bend. Its length does not exceed 10 cm, and its diameter is 6 cm. The pulp has a bitter taste and a specific aroma.

It is better to study which mushrooms are poisonous before going into the forest. This way you will protect yourself and your loved ones from poisoning and, as a result, serious health problems.

Mushrooms containing hemolytic poisons


Exposure to hemolytic poisons leads to hemolysis. This is the process of damage to red blood cells, after which the blood becomes homogeneous and turns bright red. Against the background of this problem, anemia, leukemia and other blood diseases can develop. Signs of poisoning by mushrooms containing hemolytic poisons appear after 12 hours. In case of severe intoxication, this time can be reduced to two hours. The first symptoms are severe fatigue, dizziness, headache, stomach cramps, and bouts of vomiting.

Such mushrooms include the common string. It can be found on sandy soil. He likes to settle on forest edges, roadsides, and clearings. Features an unusual hat. It looks like a human brain. Has folds and grooves. Colored grey, reddish or brown.

Recent research by scientists has proven that the line, in addition to hemolytic poisons, contains gyromitrin. This is a deadly substance for humans, which does not collapse even after prolonged boiling. IN Russian mushrooms the concentration of gyromitrin is not high, so the lines can be eaten under the condition correct processing. But for the safety of yourself and your loved ones, it is better to refuse to use such a product.

Mushrooms containing orellanine

Orellanine has a damaging effect on the kidneys, respiratory system and musculoskeletal system. Poisoning can manifest itself only two weeks after intoxication. There is a significant increase in the volume of urine excreted, pain in the stomach, attacks of vomiting, and a feeling of dry mouth. Failure to provide medical care in a timely manner leads to kidney failure and, as a consequence, death. This substance is found in the following mushrooms:

  1. Plush web spider. The cap does not exceed 8.5 cm in diameter. It looks matte, covered with small scales. In young specimens it has a spherical shape. As it gets older it becomes flat. It has a brown-red or orange color. The plush web spider can be found rarely. It prefers proximity to oaks or birches, and occasionally conifers.
  2. The cobweb is the most beautiful. The diameter of its cap can vary from 3 to 8 cm. As it grows, it changes shape from bell-shaped to flat-convex. There is a small tubercle in its center. The cap has an attractive velvety surface, sometimes with scales on it. It is colored brownish-red or brownish-red. The plates grow to the stem. The cylindrical leg has a length of no more than 12 cm. Most often, the most beautiful spiderwort is found in the central part of Russia and Siberia. It prefers coniferous and mixed forests.

The enchanting mushroom aroma annually attracts large number lovers of quiet hunting. But before you go into the forest, carefully study dangerous mushrooms and learn to distinguish them from edible ones.

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