Identifying Poisonous Mushrooms

Amanita-Desroying Angle 

 With mid summer taking place in most of the country there is a large variety of mushrooms growing in most locations. A question has been asked “How can you Identify a Poisonous Mushroom ?”To start with the best advice I can give you is-know what you are picking. If you are unsure of your identification don’t eat it. Seek out an expert in the area you live in. Most of them would be happy to help you . Also your local county extension service may have booklets you can get for little or no charge on edible mushrooms that grow in your state. Here in Michigan, Michigan State University hosts a Mushroom Seminar in late summer or early fall. If you would like more information on this send me an email and I will send you the link.Purchase a couple of good books on Wild Mushrooms. Don’t use just one. Some wild mushrooms look great- because it looks good does not mean it is edible. The Amanita genera I think is one of the nicest looking mushrooms in the woods. Pick the wrong mushroom in this group and it will kill you! This is one genera I stay away from completely.Another myth I have heard is-If the animals eat it-it must be edible. Not True, Their digestive system is different then ours. A mushroom that would make a Human very ill may not even affect a Deer or a Squirrel.