California officials are warning foragers after an outbreak of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms that has killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several patients, including children.
The state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely caused by death cap mushrooms, the health department said Friday. The toxic wild mushrooms are often mistaken for edible ones because of their appearance and taste.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”
Which Agaricus will kill you? I'm not aware of any in the PNW.
Edit: I think I remember having this conversation before, you're using "Agaricus" to mean "all gilled mushrooms" like it's the 18th century instead of what it actually means today.
Using Agaricus to include Amanitas. And several of my current books still do that.
I would maybe start saying 'agarics' instead to prevent confusion.
Fair advice, thanks
according to iNat observations A. phalloides is found in that area, though uncommon
That's an Amanita, not an Agaricus.
haha my bad, idk why i thought i read Amanita