Species library · Mushrooms

Australasian Webcap: deadly poisonous

Cortinarius archeri

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Australasian Webcap is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. Have every wild mushroom checked by a qualified mushroom expert before eating it.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from September to February in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Australasian Webcap (Cortinarius archeri)

Photo: (c) Beau Meister, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Beau Meister · iNaturalist

When Australasian Webcap appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Australasian Webcap is usually found in Woodland.

⚠ Look-alikes

Look up Australasian Webcap in the app

In the Forage app, Australasian Webcap has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Australasian Webcap: common questions

Is Australasian Webcap poisonous?

Yes. Australasian Webcap is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Australasian Webcap appear?

Australasian Webcap usually appears from September to February in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Australasian Webcap grow?

Australasian Webcap is usually found in Woodland.

What can Australasian Webcap be confused with?

Deadly look-alikes: Deadly Webcap, Fool's Webcap, Elegant Blue Webcap. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by a qualified mushroom expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits