Species library · Mushrooms

Poisonous Honey Fungus: poisonous

Omphalotus olearius

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

Poisonous Honey 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 November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Poisonous Honey Fungus (Omphalotus olearius)

Photo: Antonio Abbatiello · Public domain

When Poisonous Honey Fungus appears

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

Where it grows

Poisonous Honey Fungus is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

⚠ Look-alikes

Look up Poisonous Honey Fungus in the app

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

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Poisonous Honey Fungus: common questions

Is Poisonous Honey Fungus poisonous?

Yes. Poisonous Honey 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 Poisonous Honey Fungus appear?

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

Where does Poisonous Honey Fungus grow?

Poisonous Honey Fungus is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

What can Poisonous Honey Fungus be confused with?

Toxic look-alikes: Spectacular rustgill, Golden chanterelle, California golden chanterelle. 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