What are the most common toxic mushrooms in Spain

Collecting mushrooms is a widespread hobby in Spain, since there are many edible species that grow in the forests of this country. Even so, there are many people who do not have in-depth knowledge about mycological issues and, therefore, poisoning due to the ingestion of non-edible mushroom species occurs year after year. It should be noted that some of these mushrooms can even be deadly, so it will be necessary to be very safe before picking and eating certain mushrooms. In this article we explain what are the most common toxic mushrooms in Spain.

Amanita phalloides

One of the most toxic mushrooms that we can find in Spain is the Amanita phalloides, since it is even a deadly species. It is also known as green pigeon, deadly pigeon or green hemlock, grows throughout the mushroom season (September to February) and throughout the peninsula.

It is whitish in color and its hat varies in shape as it grows: first semi-hesferic, then convex and finally flattened, olive green and yellowish tones.

Amanita verna

Another species of Amanita that is also toxic is Amanita verna, white dwarf or white hemlock . Like the previous one, its intake is also lethal and for non-experts it is easy to confuse it with the more than well-known mushrooms. It is born exclusively in spring and, especially, in dehesas and pine forests.

It is characterized by its white color and round hat, first spherical and then, convex and finally unfolded, extended. It should be noted that it is very similar to the autumnal, also deadly species, Amanita virosa .

Amanita muscaria

In the case of Amanita muscaria, we have a species that refers us to fairy tales, gnomes and goblins, but that is toxic like the rest of the species we have seen. It is also known as the fly swatter, as it has the ability to paralyze insects that come in contact with it.

This poisonous mushroom appears in late summer and early autumn throughout Spain and despite not being deadly, derives in great neurotoxic effects, as well as in the gastrointestinal system.

Cortinarius orellanus

Although less abundant in Spanish territory, Cortinarius orellanus or mountain cortinaris are also toxic; as well as other Cortinarius species: Cortinarius speciosissimus or Cortinarius cinnamomeus.

These mushrooms grow in summer and fall in broadleaf forests and their effects, which may take days to appear, can be deadly. The main symptoms of intoxication are: tiredness, intense thirst and dry mouth, loss of appetite, headache and kidney and liver disorders.

Boletus satanas

Despite having such a fearsome name for its allusion to Satan, this mushroom is toxic but not deadly . The ingestion of the Boletus satanas causes gastrointestinal disorders, with vomiting and diarrhea, which are manifested shortly after ingestion.

It is a large mushroom, can reach 2 kg, and grows in the clearings of the forests, calcareous soil, under deciduous trees: oak, beech, oak, etc.

Gyromitra esculenta

Although Gyromitra esculenta has been considered an edible mushroom for many years, it is a highly toxic species, especially when consumed raw. Other names that this mushroom commonly receives are mushroom bonnet or false morel mushroom.

We will find this species in mountainous places, under the pines during the spring, and it is characterized by its irregular shape and with protuberances, reminiscent of a brain.

More toxic species

These are some of the most common poisonous mushrooms in Spain, although it should be noted that there are more species whose consumption is harmful to the human body. For this reason, you should consult a mushroom guide to be up to date with all the inedible mushrooms that grow in Spanish territory and not to confuse the edible mushrooms that grow in our forests with those that are not.

Tips