Species library · Mushrooms

Beechwood Sickener: poisonous

Lactarius rufus

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

Beechwood Sickener is classed as 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, Heath & moor.

☠ Poisonous
Beechwood Sickener (Lactarius rufus)

Photo: Zonda Grattus, aka Luridiformis at en.wikipedia (the sole owner and copyright holder of this image) · CC BY 3.0

When Beechwood Sickener appears

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

Where it grows

Beechwood Sickener is usually found in Woodland, Heath & moor.

Look up Beechwood Sickener in the app

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

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Beechwood Sickener: common questions

Is Beechwood Sickener poisonous?

Yes. Beechwood Sickener is classed as 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 Beechwood Sickener appear?

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

Where does Beechwood Sickener grow?

Beechwood Sickener is usually found in Woodland, Heath & moor.

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