Species library · Mushrooms

Ghost Fungus: poisonous

Omphalotus nidiformis

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

Ghost Fungus 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 September to February in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Ghost Fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis)

Photo: (c) tripsis, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · iNaturalist

When Ghost Fungus appears

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

Where it grows

Ghost Fungus is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

Look up Ghost Fungus in the app

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

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Ghost Fungus: common questions

Is Ghost Fungus poisonous?

Yes. Ghost Fungus 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 Ghost Fungus appear?

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

Where does Ghost Fungus grow?

Ghost Fungus is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

What can Ghost Fungus be confused with?

Similar species: Oyster mushroom, Pale oyster, Bitter oyster. 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