Mushroom Poisoning

Poisonous mushrooms occur in Sonoma County and it's always a good idea to be cautious when cooking with wild mushrooms. Never eat wild mushrooms unless you're absolutely certain of their identity. Even then, it is recommend to try a small amount of any species that is new to you even if others eat them in abundance! This is because some species can cause idiosyncratically negative reactions. For example, see Chlorophyllum rachodes, a mushroom that is only safe for most people!

If you think you, your child, or even your dog may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek medical attention immediately; prompt treatment is essential! If you can, it is best to have a living example and/or photos of the mushroom you think was consumed as well as some notable descriptive traits.

Free EMERGENCY identification service

Because identifying poisonous mushrooms can be tricky, the Sonoma County Mycological Association recommends using the Facebook Group Poisons Help; Emergency Identification For Mushrooms & Plants. Several SOMA Board members, including Mikhael C. Selk participate in this group and provide advice quickly and freely.

More resources

California Poison Control System - Emergency Poison Action Line: 1-800-222-1222

Mushroom Poisoning in Children - Information for parents about mushroom poisoning in children from familydoctor.org.

Mushroom Toxins - US Food and Drug Administration information on the kinds of toxins found in mushrooms.

Mushroom Poisoning Case Registry - You can file a written report of a poisoning case through the North American Mycological Association (NAMA). NAMA tracks collects and disseminates data on mushroom poisoning in North America. File a poisoning report with NAMA »

Toxic Fungi of Western North America - Dr. Thomas Duffy, longtime MSSF member and past MSSF president completed this article, after much research, on the "Toxic Fungi of Western North America".