Top 10 Most Toxic Mushrooms in the World

Death Hand Mushroom, scientifically known as Podostroma Cornu Damae, earns its name due to its terrifying resemblance to a human hand rising from the earth. This mushroom can be fatal if ingested. The primary toxin is Mycotoxin trichothecene, a compound that induces painful symptoms and can lead to death within days. It affects multiple organs in the body, primarily the liver, kidneys, and brain, while also damaging blood cells, resulting in symptoms similar to radiation poisoning or leukemia.

Also known as “dead man’s fingers,” “death fingers,” or “rotting fingers,” this is a mushroom that should never be consumed as it contains potent toxins harmful to human health. It grows in a variety of places, from deep forests to residential areas, with spring being the optimal growing season. This mushroom is the only known type that can poison a person just by touch, according to Science Alert. Found on tree roots or in the soil, it produces at least eight toxic compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. With no known antidote, numerous fatalities have been reported. Many people mistakenly confuse it with an edible mushroom used in teas.

Conocybe Filaris, also known as Pholiotina rugosa, or the lawn mushroom, is a highly toxic species that may appear harmless at first glance. Originating from the Pacific Northwest of the United States, it contains Amatoxin, a potent toxin that causes nausea, stomach pain, liver failure, and ultimately death if consumed. People often confuse Conocybe Filaris with magic mushrooms (Psilocybes), but ingestion leads to irreversible liver damage.

Poisoning symptoms usually manifest 6 to 24 hours after ingestion, starting with digestive issues, often misdiagnosed as food poisoning or stomach flu. While some patients may initially recover, they frequently experience recurring liver and kidney failure, with a high risk of death. Similar to the Death Cap mushroom, it produces deadly mycotoxins, making Conocybe Filaris one of the most dangerous mushrooms in the world.

Webcap Mushroom, scientifically known as Cortinarius rubellus, is one of the most toxic mushrooms in the world. Even consuming a small amount or tasting it and spitting it out can be fatal. The toxin, Orellanine, directly affects the kidneys, and there is currently no known antidote. If a person is lucky enough to survive after consuming this mushroom, they may require lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant. The mushroom's body has a light reddish-brown color, including the cap, stem, gills, and flesh. This deadly mushroom is commonly found in forested regions or woodlands in Norway.

There are two varieties of webcap mushrooms: the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the fool’s webcap (Cortinarius orellanus). Both species look very similar, and some edible mushrooms belong to the same genus. The toxin in webcap mushrooms is orellanin. After ingestion, symptoms typically mimic common flu, appearing within 2 to 3 days. This delay in symptoms can result in misdiagnosis. Ultimately, orellanin causes kidney failure, which can lead to death if untreated.

Autumn Skullcap, scientifically known as Galerina marginata, is a deadly mushroom that typically grows on decaying tree trunks and is found across the globe, especially in the Northern Hemisphere and certain parts of Australia. Like many toxic mushrooms, it may resemble an edible mushroom, making it easy to mistake for something harmless. However, the presence of Amatoxin in this species can cause severe liver damage, leading to liver failure and death.

Galerina marginata is a large mushroom with gills, often decomposing wood and causing rot. It contains the same toxic compound, amatoxin, as the infamous Death Cap mushroom. Consumption of the Autumn Skullcap can result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia, and liver damage, ultimately leading to death if not treated promptly. Despite its dangerous appearance, some people have mistakenly identified it as the psychedelic Psilocybe mushroom, which has led to fatal accidents.

False Morel, scientifically known as Gyromitra esculenta, is a mushroom with a brain-like appearance that is commonly consumed in parts of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. This mushroom is unique in that while it is deadly when consumed raw, it becomes a delicious delicacy when properly cooked. The toxin in the mushroom, Gyromitrin, is converted in the human body into Monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a substance that harms the liver, nervous system, and kidneys. Symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and potentially a coma or death within a week.

False Morel contains gyromitrin, a carcinogenic toxin, which has led many countries to ban its sale and consumption. Its toxicity is so severe that it is recommended not to store fresh mushrooms in confined spaces like cars or poorly ventilated rooms, as the toxins can cause headaches and nausea when they are exposed. While the sale of this mushroom has been illegal in countries like Sweden and Norway for years, it is still served in renowned restaurants and even sold in cans in Finland. Fresh mushrooms are strictly regulated in terms of packaging and preparation instructions.

The name 'Destroying Angels' refers to several deadly white mushrooms within the Amanita genus. These mushrooms often resemble the edible butter or meadow mushrooms, leading many to mistakenly harvest them. One such species, Amanita ocreata, known as the death angel or destroying angel, is highly toxic. Found in the Northwestern Pacific and California regions of North America, A. ocreata forms a symbiotic relationship with oak trees. The fruiting bodies typically appear in the spring, with caps that are either white or light brownish-yellow, often developing a slightly darker center while the rest remains white.

Destroying Angels belong to the Amanitaceae family and contain the potent toxin Amatoxin, which can cause irreversible damage to the body. Initial symptoms include cramps, abdominal pain, delirium, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the toxin is absorbed, it can inflict permanent damage to the liver and kidneys, often requiring a liver transplant or dialysis for survival. Their toxicity is similar to other deadly Amanita species such as A. phalloides, A. virosa, and A. bisporigera. This mushroom has been responsible for multiple poisoning incidents in California.

Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings, both accidental and intentional. Originating in Europe, it commonly grows beneath oak trees in forests and resembles several edible mushrooms, making it easy to confuse. A mere 30 grams of this toxic mushroom is enough to kill an adult. Importantly, even when cooked, dried, or frozen, the toxicity of the Death Cap remains unchanged. Most fatalities occur when people mistake this deadly mushroom for a safe-to-eat variety that is often consumed.

The Death Cap contains a potent toxin known as α-amanitin (amatoxin), which causes irreversible liver and kidney damage. Just 30 grams of the toxin found in half of the Death Cap mushroom can be fatal. The toxin's deadly effect persists even when the mushroom is prepared in various ways, making it a preferred choice in some cases of intentional poisoning. Key identification features include the white gills beneath the cap, a stalk with a veil, a rose-like fragrance, and a pale yellow or olive cap. The mushroom's stem also has a ring-like structure resembling a collar.

Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) is one of the most iconic mushrooms, often seen in fairy tales and folklore. This large mushroom, with its white gills and bright red cap speckled with white spots, is easily recognizable and widely known across various cultures. It typically grows in damp, forested areas under conifer trees. While it is visually striking, Fly Agaric is also among the most toxic mushrooms in the world. The toxins, muscimol and ibotenic acid, affect the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, agitation, and even hallucinations. For individuals with heart conditions, consuming this mushroom can be fatal.

Although it is considered highly poisonous, fatalities from Fly Agaric consumption are rare. If properly cooked, by boiling it to reduce the toxicity and break down its hallucinogenic compounds, it can be eaten in some regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Today, Amanita muscaria is most famous for its psychoactive properties, with its primary hallucinogenic compounds being ibotenic acid and muscimol. Indigenous Siberian peoples have used it as an intoxicant and a means to induce visions, as it holds religious significance in some cultures.

Despite its delicate name, the Angel Wings Mushroom is highly toxic and has been responsible for dozens of fatalities. Scientifically known as Pleurocybella porrigens, this mushroom is named for its shape, which some believe resembles angel wings. There’s a grim legend that consuming it might lead one to heaven, transforming the soul into an eternal angel. With its ivory-white color and a size that can grow as large as a human hand, this mushroom once went unnoticed in the world of toxic fungi. It wasn't until 2004, when 17 out of 60 people in Japan died from poisoning after consuming it, that the Angel Wings Mushroom was officially classified as toxic.

The Angel Wings Mushroom thrives in moist environments, but its exact toxins remain unidentified by scientists. However, it is strongly suspected to contain high levels of cyanide. Previously considered a delicacy under the name Sugihiratake in Japan, this mushroom, with its innocent appearance, proved to be far more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.

The Deadly Dapperling Mushroom, scientifically known as Lepiota brunneoincarnata, belongs to the Lepiota genus in the Agaricales order. This highly toxic mushroom is found across Europe and parts of East Asia, such as China, thriving in grassy areas like fields, parks, and gardens. It is often mistaken for edible mushrooms. The cap of the Deadly Dapperling is brown and can reach up to 4 cm in diameter, with a pinkish-brown stem and white gills. This mushroom is incredibly poisonous, with several fatal incidents recorded due to its similarity to edible species like Tricholoma terreum and Marasmius oreades. It contains amatoxins, the deadly compounds responsible for 80-90% of mushroom poisoning deaths.

One of the most lethal aspects of the Deadly Dapperling is its content of alpha-amanitin, which was responsible for a fatal poisoning incident in Spain in 2002, and the deaths of four young family members in Tunisia in 2010. In 2013, a survivor in Turkey ate five of these mushrooms along with edible mushrooms and survived, though they were severely poisoned. Symptoms of poisoning typically start with gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting about ten hours after ingestion, followed by liver damage days later. Just 100 grams of Lepiota brunneoincarnata can cause severe liver damage.