Be careful the next time you decide to go foraging in your own garden – an expert warns that this little plant ‘could be toxic’ and potentially deadly if consumed
Take care picking this innocuous-looking plant in your garden – an expert warns it could be toxic and, in some cases, fatal.
As the weather begins to cool and dampen this September, you may notice an abundance of mushrooms cropping up in your garden. Fungi flourish in autumn’s increased humidity and more moderate temperatures, making foraging a popular hobby this time of year – especially for those who enjoy cooking their own homemade meals.
However, not all kinds of fungi are harmless. According to an expert, while some mushrooms are safe to consume, others can be extremely toxic.
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Elliot Webb, mushroom expert, author, and founder of Urban Farm-It, has cautioned gardeners to be on high alert for toxic fungi that may look deceptively similar to edible varieties.
Elliot said: “With over 15,000 species of fungi in the UK, it’s no surprise that some garden mushrooms can be mistaken for edible varieties. Unfortunately, that mistake can be dangerous – or even fatal – which is why identification is so important.” Among the most recognisable, and riskiest, is the Fly Agaric, known for its striking red or orange cap with white spots.
Elliot warned: “The Fly Agaric is a prime example of how looks can be deceiving. Its bright colouring makes it one of the most iconic mushrooms, but it’s also toxic. While rarely deadly, it can cause vivid hallucinations and serious stomach problems.” Another common danger is the Fool’s Funnel, which is also called the Sweating Mushroom due to one of its unpleasant side effects.
“The Fool’s Funnel often pops up on well-kept lawns and is easy to overlook,” he said. “But it contains a compound called muscarine, which affects the nervous system and can be fatal in large doses. It’s especially concerning because of how common it is.”
Fortunately for fungi fans, not all mushrooms in the garden are harmful. Webb pointed to the Field Mushroom and Shaggy Inkcap as examples of edible varieties. Though, he warned they are only safe when properly identified.
He said: “Field mushrooms and Shaggy Inkcaps are both edible and commonly found in grassy areas. But even with these, confident identification is crucial. Several toxic mushrooms look similar to edible ones, especially to the untrained eye.”
But what happens if you’re uncertain with what kind of mushroom you’re dealing with? In this case, Eliott advised: “If you’re not 100% sure what you’re looking at, leave it alone. Garden mushrooms should never be eaten unless identified by an experienced forager or mycologist.”