New Hampshire’s forests host several poisonous mushrooms that can cause severe liver damage if mistaken for chanterelles. Knowing which Poisonous New Hampshire Mushrooms to avoid is critical for anyone who forages in the Granite State.
Every year, a few people end up in the ER after eating a toxic mushroom they thought was safe. The stakes are high, but with a little knowledge, you can stay safe.
This guide covers the most dangerous mushrooms you might find in New Hampshire. We’ll show you how to tell them apart from edible look-alikes.
Poisonous New Hampshire Mushrooms
The Deadly Galerina: A Small Mushroom With Big Danger
The Deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata) is one of the most toxic mushrooms in the state. It contains the same amatoxins as the Death Cap.
These toxins attack the liver and kidneys. Symptoms often don’t show up for 6 to 24 hours after eating.
By then, the damage is already happening. This mushroom is small, brown, and easy to overlook.
How To Identify Deadly Galerina
- Cap: Small, 1-4 cm wide, bell-shaped when young, flattening with age. Color is cinnamon to brown.
- Gills: Attached to the stem, close together, brownish when mature.
- Stem: Thin, 2-5 cm long, with a ring near the top. The ring may fade or fall off.
- Spore print: Rusty brown.
- Habitat: Grows in clusters on rotting wood, especially conifer logs.
Why It’s Confused With Edible Mushrooms
Deadly Galerina is often mistaken for the Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea), which is edible when cooked. Both grow on wood in clusters.
The key difference is the spore print. Deadly Galerina has a rusty brown spore print. Honey Mushrooms have a white spore print.
Also, Honey Mushrooms are usually larger and have a more fibrous stem. Never rely on just one feature to identify a mushroom.
The False Morel: A Springtime Risk
False Morels (Gyromitra species) appear in early spring, around the same time as true morels. They contain gyromitrin, which breaks down into a toxic chemical in your body.
Eating them raw or undercooked can cause severe poisoning. Some people have eaten them after special preparation, but the risk is not worth it.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death.
How To Tell False Morels From True Morels
- Look at the cap shape. True morels have a honeycomb-like cap with pits and ridges. The cap is attached to the stem at the bottom.
- Check the inside. True morels are hollow from top to bottom. False morels have a cottony or chambered inside.
- Examine the cap attachment. False morels have a cap that hangs free from the stem, like a skirt. True morels have the cap attached at the bottom.
- Smell it. False morels often have a strong, unpleasant odor. True morels smell earthy and nutty.
If you’re not 100% sure, don’t eat it. There is no room for error with False Morels.
The Jack-O’-Lantern Mushroom: A Bright Orange Trap
The Jack-O’-Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens) is a bright orange mushroom that glows in the dark. It’s often mistaken for the edible Chanterelle.
This mushroom causes severe gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms include cramping, nausea, and diarrhea that can last for days.
It’s not usually fatal, but it will make you very sick. The glowing feature is cool, but don’t let it fool you.
Jack-O’-Lantern vs. Chanterelle: Key Differences
- Gills: Jack-O’-Lantern has true, sharp gills that run down the stem. Chanterelles have blunt, forked ridges that look more like veins.
- Color: Jack-O’-Lantern is a deeper, more vivid orange. Chanterelles are usually a paler yellow-orange.
- Growth: Jack-O’-Lantern grows in dense clusters on wood. Chanterelles grow singly or in small groups on the ground.
- Spore print: Jack-O’-Lantern has a white to pale yellow spore print. Chanterelles have a pale yellow to cream spore print.
If you find a bright orange mushroom growing on a stump, it’s almost certainly a Jack-O’-Lantern. Leave it alone.
The Death Cap: Rare But Deadly
The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) is not common in New Hampshire, but it has been found here. It is responsible for the majority of mushroom poisoning deaths worldwide.
It contains amatoxins that destroy the liver and kidneys. A single cap can kill an adult.
Symptoms appear 6-12 hours after eating. You might feel better for a day, then suddenly get much worse. This is a medical emergency.
Identifying The Death Cap
- Cap: 5-15 cm wide, greenish to yellow-brown, sometimes white. It has a smooth, sticky surface.
- Gills: White, free from the stem.
- Stem: White, with a large skirt-like ring near the top. The base is bulbous and sits in a cup-like volva.
- Spore print: White.
- Habitat: Often found near oak, pine, or birch trees.
The volva (cup at the base) is a key feature. If you see a mushroom with a cup at the base and a ring on the stem, be very careful.
The Destroying Angel: Pure White And Pure Poison
The Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera) is another amatoxin-containing mushroom. It is pure white and very toxic.
It looks innocent, like a small white button mushroom. But it is just as deadly as the Death Cap.
It grows in summer and fall in mixed forests. It’s often found near oak trees.
Key Features Of The Destroying Angel
- Cap: Pure white, 5-10 cm wide, smooth and dry.
- Gills: White, free from the stem.
- Stem: White, with a delicate ring. The base has a cup-like volva.
- Spore print: White.
- Odor: Sometimes described as sweet or like raw potatoes.
Never eat a white mushroom with a ring and a cup at the base. It’s not worth the risk.
General Safety Tips For Foraging In New Hampshire
Always Use Multiple Identification Methods
Never rely on just one feature to identify a mushroom. You need to check the cap, gills, stem, spore print, habitat, and smell.
Take a spore print every time. It’s one of the most reliable ways to tell species apart.
Use a good field guide or a reputable app. But don’t trust an app alone. They can make mistakes.
Start With Easy-To-Identify Mushrooms
If you’re new to foraging, start with mushrooms that have no toxic look-alikes. Morels, Chicken of the Woods, and Puffballs are good choices.
Stay away from gilled mushrooms until you have more experience. Many toxic mushrooms have gills.
Join a local mycological society. They offer forays and classes where you can learn from experts.
Cook All Wild Mushrooms Thoroughly
Some mushrooms are toxic when raw but safe after cooking. Even edible mushrooms can cause stomach upset if undercooked.
Cook mushrooms thoroughly before eating. This destroys some toxins and makes them easier to digest.
Never eat a wild mushroom raw. It’s not worth the risk.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out
This is the golden rule of foraging. If you’re not 100% sure what a mushroom is, don’t eat it.
Even experienced foragers make mistakes. It’s better to leave a good mushroom than to eat a bad one.
Take photos and notes, and ask an expert later. You can always go back for more mushrooms another day.
What To Do If You Suspect Mushroom Poisoning
Immediate Steps
- Call Poison Control immediately. The number is 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24/7.
- Do not wait for symptoms. Some toxins take hours to show effects. By then, it may be too late.
- Save the mushroom. If you have any leftover mushroom, put it in a paper bag or wrap it in wax paper. Do not use plastic, as it will make the mushroom rot.
- Take photos. Photograph the mushroom from different angles. This helps experts identify it.
- Go to the ER. Even if you feel fine, go to the hospital. They can monitor you and start treatment if needed.
What Not To Do
- Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a medical professional.
- Do not drink alcohol. It can make some toxins worse.
- Do not eat or drink anything until you get medical advice.
- Do not rely on home remedies. There is no safe home treatment for mushroom poisoning.
Common Myths About Poisonous Mushrooms
Myth: Poisonous Mushrooms Taste Bad
This is false. Many toxic mushrooms taste just like edible ones. The Death Cap is said to taste good.
Never use taste as a test. It’s dangerous and could be your last meal.
Myth: Cooking Makes All Mushrooms Safe
Not true. Some toxins, like amatoxins, are not destroyed by heat. Cooking a Death Cap does not make it safe.
Only certain mushrooms become safe after cooking. You need to know which ones.
Myth: Animals Can Eat Them, So They’re Safe
Animals have different metabolisms. What is safe for a squirrel can kill a human.
Never use animal behavior as a guide. It’s not reliable.
Myth: If It Has A Ring, It’s Safe
Many toxic mushrooms have rings, including the Death Cap and Destroying Angel. The ring is not a sign of safety.
You need to look at all features, not just one.
Seasonal Guide To Poisonous Mushrooms In New Hampshire
Spring (April – May)
False Morels are the main concern in spring. They appear at the same time as true morels.
Look for the wrinkled, brain-like cap and the cottony inside. If you’re not sure, leave it.
Summer (June – August)
Jack-O’-Lantern mushrooms start appearing in summer. They grow on stumps and logs.
Deadly Galerina is also active in summer. Check any small brown mushrooms on wood carefully.
Fall (September – November)
This is the peak season for many toxic mushrooms. Death Caps and Destroying Angels can appear in fall.
Be extra careful with white mushrooms that have rings and cups. Also watch for small brown mushrooms on logs.
Resources For New Hampshire Foragers
Local Mycological Societies
The New Hampshire Mycological Society is a great resource. They hold forays and meetings where you can learn from experienced foragers.
Joining a group is one of the best ways to stay safe. You learn from others’ mistakes.
Field Guides
Get a good field guide specific to the Northeast. “Mushrooms of the Northeast” by Teresa Marrone and Walt Sturgeon is a solid choice.
Always cross-reference with other sources. No single guide is perfect.
Online Resources
Websites like MushroomExpert.com and iNaturalist are helpful. Use them to confirm your identifications.
But remember, online IDs are not always accurate. Use them as a starting point, not a final answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Death Caps in New Hampshire?
Yes, though they are rare. They have been found in the state, usually near oak trees. Always check for the cup at the base.
Can you survive eating a Destroying Angel?
Survival is possible with prompt medical treatment, but it’s very difficult. The toxins cause severe liver damage. Many people need a liver transplant.
What is the most common poisonous mushroom in New Hampshire?
The Jack-O’-Lantern mushroom is probably the most common toxic mushroom that people mistake for an edible one. It’s often confused with chanterelles.
How can I tell a false morel from a true morel?
True morels are hollow inside and have a honeycomb cap attached at the bottom. False morels have a cottony inside and a cap that hangs free from the stem.
What should I do if I eat a poisonous mushroom?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Save the mushroom for identification. Go to the ER even if you feel fine.
Final Thoughts On Staying Safe
Foraging for mushrooms is a rewarding hobby, but it comes with risks. New Hampshire has several Poisonous New Hampshire Mushrooms that can cause serious harm.
Learn to identify the dangerous ones first. Then focus on the edible ones. Always use multiple identification methods.
Never eat a mushroom you’re not sure about. It’s not worth the risk. There will always be more mushrooms to find.
Stay safe, keep learning, and enjoy the forests of New Hampshire responsibly.