How to Identify Poisonous Mushrooms? Simple Identification Methods Shared

In terms of color, poisonous mushrooms often have bright colors, appearing red, green, yellow, etc. Their caps often bear variegated spots, with filamentous structures or small pieces of debris or scales on the surface. Non-poisonous mushrooms generally have dull colors, flat caps, and smooth surfaces.

In terms of secretions, the caps or injured parts of poisonous mushrooms often exude reddish-brown, viscous, thick liquid, etc., with a pungent or other abnormal odor. The cap changes color easily after being torn. Non-poisonous mushrooms are generally drier, and the liquid exuded after breaking is white, with a distinctive mushroom aroma; the cap generally does not change color after being torn, or changes color more slowly.

The stems of poisonous mushrooms often have ring-like concentric bands and break easily; the lower part has a volva, and the base bears cystidia. The stem is very difficult to tear open by hand. Non-poisonous mushrooms have no ring-like concentric bands on the stem, and the stem tears open easily.

Identification by chemical methods. The milky juice squeezed from poisonous mushrooms is applied to paper; after drying, a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid is added. After 20 minutes it turns blue, or it changes immediately and turns blue after 30 minutes.