John Myers
No, as a layman it is difficult to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms. The general principles and old wisdom that is floating around do not apply to all types of mushrooms. Exact knowledge of the individual types of mushrooms can never replace general rules of thumb, which is why you should always consult an expert when picking mushrooms.
The following genera are among the poisonous species of mushrooms:
- Amanita such as fly agaric, death cap, death cap, and panther mushroom.
- Veil-like species such as Orange Skinhead, Softwood Warbler, Brick Rift Fungus, and Pointed Veil Veil
- Knightling-types such as lead-white funnelling, bitter funnelling, or tiger knightling
- Lorel like the Spring Lorel
- Redling-types such as Giant Redling, Spring Redling, and Depressed Redling
Expert knowledge is required to recognize these poisonous mushrooms and distinguish them from edible species. House rules for identifying edible mushrooms by insect infestation, color, smell, discoloration when cut, or blackening of silverware or onions when they come into contact with the flesh of the mushroom do not apply to all poisonous mushroom species. If mushroom poisoning is suspected, a doctor or hospital must be consulted immediately. In order to be able to quickly determine which poison was ingested, the remains of the consumed mushrooms should be taken with you.
It is, therefore, best to join an experienced mushroom picker for a mushroom tour in the forest or present your harvest to a mushroom consultant before consumption. You can contact such experts through municipal administrations, poison information centers, or health authorities. With appropriate advice, you can then consume the collected edible mushrooms without hesitation.
