Deadly and poisonous mushrooms to know

The deadly five

Death cap (Amanita phalloides)

Responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. Contains amatoxins that destroy the liver. Symptoms start 6 to 24 hours after eating, followed by an apparent recovery before liver failure.

Destroying angel (Amanita virosa)

A pure white Amanita with a ring and a sac at the base. Same amatoxins as the death cap.

Funeral bell (Galerina marginata)

A small brown mushroom on rotting wood. It contains amatoxins and is easy to mistake for edible woodland mushrooms.

Deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus)

Contains orellanine, which damages the kidneys. Symptoms may only appear 2 to 20 days after eating.

False morel (Gyromitra esculenta)

Contains gyromitrin. Poisonings and deaths have occurred even after the mushrooms were parboiled.

Other poisonous species

These rarely kill, but can put you in hospital: fly agaric, panther cap, jack-o'-lantern, yellow stainer, livid pinkgill, fool's funnel, sulphur tuft, earthball and the common ink cap (dangerous with alcohol).

Myths that get people killed

• "Cooking removes the poison." Amatoxins survive cooking, drying and freezing.
• "If animals eat it, it is safe." Many animals tolerate toxins that kill humans.
• "Poisonous mushrooms are brightly coloured." The death cap is dull olive-green.
• "A silver spoon will turn black." This does not work.
• "Peeling the cap makes it safe." The toxins are throughout the mushroom.

What to do if someone may have eaten a toxic mushroom

1. Call emergency services or the poison centre now.
2. Keep the person calm and do not try to induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
3. Save any remaining mushroom, leftovers and a photograph, and note the time they were eaten.
4. Go to the hospital even if symptoms disappear, because the deadliest poisonings can look like recovery before the damage shows.