9 of the World’s Most Toxic Mushrooms Can Be Found in North Carolina Each Year

You may be surprised to learn that North Carolina is home to several highly poisonous mushrooms, so think twice before foraging, cooking, and consuming what you find. Some of the toxic varieties are more deadly than others, while at least one of them has psychoactive effects on those who eat it. Even though there are likely additional varieties, nine of the poisonous mushrooms in North Carolina are listed below. Pay attention! You wouldn't want to accidentally stumble across one of these toxic mushrooms in North Carolina!

1. Amanita chlorinosma

One of more than 600 mushrooms found in the Amanita species, the chlorinosma is poisonous and should be avoided at all costs. It's commonly found in pine and oak forests in North Carolina. This one is especially tricky because it doesn't have a lot of notable physical characteristics to help identify it. It looks like any ordinary white mushroom.

2. Amanita Muscaria

Known widely for its psychoactive effect, the Amanita Muscaria rarely causes death, although it's considered toxic. Eating this variety requires special cooking instructions and, even then, cooking might not boil out the psychoactive substances. Don't be fooled by its beautiful coloring; this mushroom is a dangerous one! Beware.

3. Amanita virosa

The extremely toxic Amanita virosa has been responsible for scores of mushroom poisonings. One reason is its similarity to other non-poisonous varieties of mushrooms. Some people even advise against placing this mushroom in the same gathering basket as the mushrooms you plan to eat—it's just that poisonous. If you're going to forage for food, it's best to go with a trained professional for safety. You don't want to accidentally be chopping this up for dinner.

4. Leucocoprinus birnbaumii

Often found growing in houseplants, the Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is also found on the forest floor in warmer environments. Its edibility is unknown, but North Carolina State University lists it among mushrooms to avoid in North Carolina. We certainly don't want to be the ones to test out whether it's edible or not!

5. Amanita flavoconia

This colorful Amanitaceae variety is marked by yellow warts on the cap in its infancy. It grows to about 2.5 inches in diameter and does well in hemlock forest undergrowth. Wikipedia lists its toxicity as unknown, but North Carolina State University includes it on a list of poisonous mushrooms. It's always better to be safe than sorry with these mysterious fungi.

6. Chlorophyllum molybdites

The Chlorophyllum molybdites can grow to an enormous 12 inches in diameter. Its toxicity causes much gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, and colic, which occur within hours of consuming it. The Chlorophyllum molybdites is the most commonly eaten poisonous mushroom in America. It doesn't cause death (usually), so that's a plus, but the side effects are still well worth avoiding.

7. Amanita gemmata

The golden Amanita gemmata is highly toxic and contains muscarine, which is deadly if ingested. You'll likely find this mushroom growing in coniferous forests during the summer and fall. You can identify this dangerous mushroom by its white to pale yellow stem and pure white gills. The cap on this mushroom typically ranges in color from a pale yellow to a rich yellow with a dark center. It looks cute and harmless, but be warned!

8. Galerina autumnalis

The highly toxic Galerina autumnalis sets to work destroying the liver almost immediately after it's eaten—no wonder this mushroom is also known as the “Deadly Galerina” or “Funeral Bells.” You’ll find this type of mushroom typically growing on decaying wood, specifically conifer and hardwood. You can identify this mushroom by its rusty brown color and its slim and fragile stem. It's a common mushroom in North Carolina and, because of its deadly properties, should be avoided.

9. Omphalotus olearius

Also called the Jack-o-Lantern, this poisonous orange-gilled mushroom is commonly found throughout North Carolina. Interestingly, in very low light, the gills of this mushroom appear to glow in the dark, as its bioluminescence kicks into gear when the sun sets and the gills glow in a bright blue-green hue. But as cool as the Omphalotus olearius is, you should not eat this one—it's highly poisonous. Making matters worse, it closely resembles a variety of edible mushrooms belonging to the genus Chanterelles. At least the glow-in-the-dark properties are a bit of a tip-off.

Always remember to never consume a wild mushroom unless identified by an expert. If you forage for mushrooms, have you ever encountered any of these toxic, poisonous mushrooms in North Carolina? You may spot some of these mushrooms as you venture outdoors and head on a hike. If you are looking for a little outdoor inspiration, check out some of our favorite hiking trails in North Carolina. You may also want to keep a lookout for wild mushrooms in North Carolina as you venture to some of the best state parks or even at some of the best outdoor attractions around North Carolina.