Mushrooms are a staple in kitchens around the world; they’re full of flavour, packed with nutrients and used in everything from soups to stir-fries. But although many are safe to eat, some types of mushroom can be deadly.

Some toxic mushrooms look almost identical to edible varieties, making them especially dangerous. One wrong bite and you could be in serious trouble. With names like Death Cap, Destroying Angel and Funeral Bell, they sound as dangerous as they are.

In this guide, we’ll cover which mushrooms to avoid, how to spot them and why they pose a risk. Whether you forage in the wild or just want to know more, it pays to be informed.

Common Poisonous Mushrooms and Their Dangers

Many toxic mushrooms look similar to edible species, which is why identification is so important.

Below are some of the most dangerous mushrooms found worldwide and what makes them a threat.

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

Appearance: Pale green or yellowish cap, often sticky when wet. White gills and a swollen base covered by a sac-like structure.

Toxins: Amatoxins, which damage the liver and kidneys.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea within hours, followed by a false recovery period. Organ failure can occur within days if untreated.

Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa)

Appearance: Tall, slender and completely white with a skirt-like ring. Has a sac-like base.

Toxins: Amatoxins, attacking the liver.

Symptoms: Severe stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. If untreated, can lead to liver failure.

Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata)

Appearance: Small, brown and bell-shaped, usually found on rotting wood.

Toxins: Amatoxins, like the Death Cap.

Symptoms: Delayed nausea and vomiting, followed by liver and kidney damage.

Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus)

Appearance: Reddish-brown cap with pale gills that darken over time.

Toxins: Orellanine, which harms the kidneys.

Symptoms: Flu-like signs appearing days after ingestion, followed by kidney failure.

Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)

Appearance: Brown with white spots, similar to the Fly Agaric but smaller.

Toxins: Neurotoxins affecting the brain and nervous system.

Symptoms: Confusion, hallucinations, vomiting and seizures.

Angel’s Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens)

Appearance: Thin, white, fan-shaped mushrooms with a delicate, wavy edge. Often found growing in clusters on decaying conifer wood.

Toxins: Unclear, but linked to acute brain toxicity in some cases.

Symptoms: Neurological effects, including confusion, muscle weakness and brain swelling in bad cases.

Mushroom Identification Table

Recognising Poisonous Mushrooms

Some mushrooms look harmless but can be highly toxic. Whilst no single rule applies to all poisonous varieties, there are some common warning signs to watch for.

• White gills and skirt-like rings – Many deadly mushrooms, including the Death Cap and Destroying Angel, have white gills and a ring around the stem.
• Bulbous base with a volva – A swollen base covered by a sac-like structure is a feature of many toxic Amanita species.
• Bright or unusual colours – Whilst not always a danger sign, some toxic mushrooms, like the Panther Cap, have striking colours or white spots.
• Strong or unpleasant odours – Some poisonous mushrooms give off a sickly or chemical-like smell when crushed.

Because toxic mushrooms can closely resemble edible ones, it’s never safe to rely on colour or shape alone. If you’re unsure, never eat it.

What to Do if You Ingest a Poisonous Mushroom

If you suspect you’ve eaten a toxic mushroom, act fast. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sweating or confusion can appear within hours—but some deadly mushrooms cause delayed effects, making early treatment crucial.

Seek medical help immediately—call emergency services or go to a hospital.

Do not wait for symptoms to worsen—some toxins can cause organ damage.

Bring a sample if possible—this can help doctors identify the poison.

Never rely on home remedies—seek professional medical aid.

Merryhill Mushrooms Grow Kits

Foraging comes with risks, but growing your own mushrooms at home is a safe and reliable option. With Merryhill Mushrooms' grow kits, you can enjoy fresh, delicious mushrooms without the worry of misidentification.

Browse our variety of species and experience the joy of safe and delicious, homegrown mushrooms.