Toxic Mushrooms of the Northwest

Mushrooms are a common sight in the Pacific Northwest, but not all mushrooms are created equal. While some mushrooms are prized for their culinary and medicinal properties, others can be toxic and even deadly if consumed. It's important for mushroom enthusiasts and foragers to be aware of the toxic mushrooms that grow in the region, as well as their identifying features and potential health effects. Here are some of the most toxic mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest:

1. Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

The Death Cap is one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world and can be found in the Pacific Northwest region. It contains a potent toxin called alpha-amanitin that can cause severe liver damage and even death if ingested. The Death Cap is often mistaken for edible mushrooms, so it's important to be able to distinguish it from other species. It has a greenish-yellow cap, white gills, and a skirt-like ring around the stem.

2. Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata)

The Destroying Angel is another deadly mushroom found in the Pacific Northwest. It contains the same toxin as the Death Cap and can cause liver damage and death if ingested. It's often mistaken for edible mushrooms and has a white cap, white gills, and a bulbous stem with a skirt-like ring.

3. Western North American Galerina (Galerina autumnalis)

The Western North American Galerina is a small, brown mushroom that contains the toxin amatoxin, which can cause severe liver damage and death if ingested. It's often found growing on dead wood and has a brown cap, brown gills, and a slender stem.

4. Deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata)

The Deadly Galerina is another small, brown mushroom that contains the toxin amatoxin. It's often found growing on dead wood and has a brown cap, brown gills, and a slender stem. The toxin in this mushroom can cause severe liver damage and death if ingested.

5. Conocybe filaris

Conocybe filaris is a small, brown mushroom that contains the toxin amatoxin. It's often found growing in lawns and has a brown cap, brown gills, and a slender stem. The toxin in this mushroom can cause severe liver damage and death if ingested.

6. False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta)

The False Morel contains the toxin gyromitrin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death if ingested. It's often mistaken for the true morel, which is a highly prized edible mushroom. The False Morel has a wrinkled, brain-like cap and a hollow stem.

7. Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus illudens)

The Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom is a bright orange mushroom that contains the toxin illudin S. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. It's often mistaken for the edible Chanterelle mushroom, which has a similar shape and color. The Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom has a funnel-shaped cap and a stem that is attached off-center.

While mushrooms can be a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, it's important to be cautious and knowledgeable when foraging for them in the wild. Always consult a reputable guidebook or expert to ensure that the mushrooms you are collecting are safe to eat, and never consume a mushroom unless you are 110% sure of its identification. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.