How Many Poisonous Mushrooms Are There?
There are about 5,000 types of mushrooms found in the United States. Of these, about 100 are responsible for most mushroom poisonings. Less than a dozen species are considered deadly. However, death from other species, even so-called “safe” mushrooms, has occurred in very young children or in ill adults. I can tell the difference between a poisonous and safe mushroom. There are no non-scientific tests or rules that can accurately determine the safety or toxicity of a mushroom. Using the following “rules” could prove to be a deadly mistake! FALSE: A mushroom is considered poisonous if: • The mushroom stains when bruised • The mushroom secretes a milky sap • The mushroom turns garlic blue or black when cooked together • The mushroom turns a silver coin black when rubbed against it • The mushroom tarnishes a silver spoon when cooked with it • The mushroom has scales, warts or other types of rough surfaces FALSE: A mushroom is considered safe if: • The mushroom grows on wood • Slugs or oth