Species library · Mushrooms

Sycamore Tar Spot: poisonous

Rhytisma acerinum

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

Sycamore Tar Spot 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 August to October in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

☠ Poisonous
Sycamore Tar Spot (Rhytisma acerinum)

Photo: (c) Manuel R Popp, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Manuel R Popp · iNaturalist

When Sycamore Tar Spot appears

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

Where it grows

Sycamore Tar Spot is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

Look up Sycamore Tar Spot in the app

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

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Sycamore Tar Spot: common questions

Is Sycamore Tar Spot poisonous?

Yes. Sycamore Tar Spot 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 Sycamore Tar Spot appear?

Sycamore Tar Spot usually appears from August to October in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Sycamore Tar Spot grow?

Sycamore Tar Spot is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

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