Your ultimate blog for fungi, biology, medicine, and health

We dive into the biological marvels and medicinal potential of the fungal kingdom, their role and future uses in our lives and ecosystems, and the overlap between science, nature, and health.

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Image credit: Mushroom Marauders

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Latest Posts

Biology

What's the Stem of a Mushroom Called, Stalk or Stipe--Fungal Biology

Medicine

The Fungus That can Cross the Blood Brain Barrier: Lion's Mane & the BBB

Medicine

Can Fungi Activate Your Natural Killer Cells?

Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom.

-Thomas Carlyle

Credit: https://mushroommarauder.com/

Yellow Morel

Edible

Safety: Must be cooked thoroughly as it contains volatile toxins that neutralize with heat. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification.

This work is a derivative of "Amanita phalloides 1" by Archenzo, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. This derivative is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 by Morel of the Story. (Modified from original: cropped for composition).

Death Cap

Toxic

Safety: Fatal if ingested. Destroys liver function within hours. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification.

A quick reference tool for identifying common mushroom species.

DISCLAIMER: This field guide is for educational, and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for expert identification. The author/website does not guarantee the accuracy or safety of any identification. Never eat a wild mushroom unless it has been positively identified as safe by a qualified, local mycologist; many species are toxic or deadly if misidentified. Use this information at your own risk. We assume no liability for any adverse health effects or damage resulting from the use of this information.

Basic Mushrooms

Fly Agaric

Safety: Causes severe nausea and hallucinations. Highly dangerous for pets and humans; can be fatal. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification.

Toxic

This work is a derivative of "Boletus edulis" by ReddishClover, used under CC BY-SA 4.0. This derivative is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 by Morel of the Story. (Modified from original: cropped for composition).

King Bolete

Edible

Safety: Can cause stomach upset for some if eaten raw, so cook thoroughly. Sometimes confused with the False King Bolete. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification.

Credit: https://mushroommarauder.com/

Chanterelle

Edible

Safety: Identified by fruity scent. Watch out for Jack-o'-Lantern lookalikes. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification.

This work is a derivative of "Amanita bisporigera 17932" by Dan Molter (shroomydan), used under CC BY-SA 3.0. This version is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 by Morel of the Story. (Modified from original: cropped for composition).

Destroying Angel

Toxic

Safety: Irreversibly fatal, especially to liver & kidneys. Mistaken for Puffballs when young. Do not eat any wild mushrooms without expert identification.

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