Poisonous Fungi

Most Poisonous Fungi in Britain
Amanita pantherina	- Panther Cap	Cortinarius speciosissimus	- No common name
Amanita phalloides	- Death Cap	Entoloma lividum	- Livid Entoloma
Amanita virosa	- Destroying Angel	Galerina marginata	- No common name
Claviceps purpurea	- Ergot	Gyromitra esculenta	-Turban Fungus
Inocybe dealbata	- Ivory Clitocybe	Inocybe patouillardii	- Red-Staining Inocybe
Clitocybe rivulosa	- No common name	Lepiota cristata	- Stinking Parasol


Common Ink Cap Coprinus astramentarius	Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria
Although this fungus is edible to the tea-totaller I have included it in the poisonous section as it should never be eaten with alcohol. It contains a substance which in this case quickly causes the face and neck to become purple-red, in a similar way to the effect caused by taking antabuse which is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of alcoholism.	This most conspicuous fungus with it’s scarlet, white-flecked cap has been a favourite of artists for many years. It is used to represent stools or houses of gnomes in children’s books. This fungus,from which a poisoned milk used to be made to kill flies can cause violent intoxication and delirium. It is believed it was the original Soma plant used in India to provide hallucinations in religious ceremonies.
	The Panther Cap is very poisonous and although uncommon, it is often confused with the much commoner, non poisonous excelsa. So alike are the two that on no account should either species be eaten. It has a form and structure similar to the Fly Agaric but it is smaller and the cap is a dull smokey brown, sometimes with olive tinges.
Panther Cap Amanita pantherina

Poisonous Fungi

Most Poisonous Fungi in Britain