Species library · Mushrooms

Fool's Webcap: deadly poisonous

Cortinarius orellanus

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

Fool's 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 July to October in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Fool's Webcap (Cortinarius orellanus)

Photo: The original uploader was Michaelll at English Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 2.5

When Fool's Webcap appears

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

Where it grows

Fool's Webcap is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

⚠ Look-alikes

Deadly webcap☠ deadly
Fool's webcap☠ deadly
Gassy webcapGassy webcap☠ toxic

Look up Fool's Webcap in the app

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

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Fool's Webcap: common questions

Is Fool's Webcap poisonous?

Yes. Fool's 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 Fool's Webcap appear?

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

Where does Fool's Webcap grow?

Fool's Webcap is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

What can Fool's Webcap be confused with?

Deadly look-alikes: Deadly webcap, Fool's webcap, Gassy 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