POISONOUS AND HALLUCINOGENIC MUSHROOMS
by Michael W. Beug Email: beugm@evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Slide 69.
Leccinum discolor and other Orange-capped Leccinum
species known collectively as the Leccinum aurantiacum group
can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition other Leccinum species
with a range of cap colors but that bruise blue or turn dark when cooked
have caused upset. Leccinum species have a reputation for being
edible and choice and I regularly eat them. However, in Montana and Colorado,
and even in the Pacific Northwest, poisoning is not uncommon. Symptoms
might not be attributed to these mushrooms because they have such a good
reputation as edibles. However, one person's feast is another person's
poison. One couple reported eating five cooked Leccinums. In 1 hour the
wife was ill with diarrhea. The husband became ill after 3 hours and his
wife thought he was going to die. Both recovered in 15 hours. Another man
experienced a 4-hour latent period and then vomited for three hours. Seven
hours after eating the mushrooms he was vomiting blood. He was too weak
to work for two days. There are many similar reports. Illness can last
for five days and can include sweating and dry mouth, malaise, headache
and dizziness. Consumption of a raw Leccinum is particularly likely
to bring on symptoms.
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