While many mushrooms that fall within this color range are Amanita mushrooms, you cannot identify an Amanita mushroom based on color alone. Also, check the other characteristics such as cap shape and the presence of scales or warts to help you with the classification.
If it has been raining recently and you are unsure about whether the cap is actually slimy, or if it just precipitation, then set the mushroom aside for a day or two, and see if it dries.
Warts tend to look like rows of tiny, raised dots. Patches on a mushroom are the remaining parts of the universal veil that surrounded it when it was young.
Not all mushrooms have a bulbous base, which makes this indicator a good way to distinguish Amanita mushrooms. This part of the mushroom is also part of the universal veil from when it was young. When you are digging the mushroom out, cut deeply around the base to avoid cutting into the base itself. This is because the bulbous cup is usually very delicate and can be easily torn.
You will have to either look at the mushroom from the ground-up or dig the mushroom out of the ground to see the ring. The ring is called the annulus or the partial veil, and it is the part of the stem that tore away as the mushroom grew taller.
There are a few Amanita mushrooms that don’t have white or pale gills, however, these types will also produce a white spore print. This can help you to feel more certain in your identification.
Furthermore, the cap of a true morel is usually uniform and longer than the stem, whereas the cap of a false morel is often irregular, looks squashed, and is shorter than the stem.
In North America, the green-spored parasol is the most commonly consumed toxic species of mushroom. It usually grows during summer and fall, particularly after heavy rains. [10] X Research source
Chanterelle gills also look as though they have melted. The distribution of the mushrooms can also indicate the species. Chanterelles only grow near trees and don’t grow in large groups. Jack o’lanterns grow in dense clusters and can grow where there are no trees, such as in the middle of a field. Chanterelle mushrooms are safe to consume, while Jack o’lantern mushrooms are very toxic. [12] X Research source
These mushroom species look very alike and often grow in similar locations, such as along the same tree stump. It’s easy to be foraging for honey mushrooms and to accidentally add deadly Galerina into your basket, which is why it’s important to check every mushroom individually. [14] X Research source
A local group is often the best way to educate yourself about mushrooms because they will be experts on the mushrooms found in your area. Mushrooms differ significantly across regions, so knowing what is safe where you go foraging is invaluable knowledge. [17] X Research source
Your local library is another place to look for mushroom reference guides. If you have joined a mycological group, they will probably be able to recommend the best field guide for your region.
You can’t get sick just from touching a toxic mushroom. It needs to be cooked or consumed first. Some mushroom types are very delicate and can easily break into pieces. This means that separating the safe, edible mushrooms from those that you are unsure about is especially important, as you don’t want small pieces of poisonous mushrooms mixed in with the edible group.
