Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms

They're mysterious, enchanting, fascinating and often beautiful. Yet most of us regard mushrooms and toadstools with suspicion and caution. And for good reason. There are poisonous mushrooms out there, and some of them are deadly.

The worst have sinister names such as death cap, destroying angel and funeral bell – a warning to steer clear. Here are eight of the most poisonous mushrooms to watch out for in the UK.

Where did the name 'toadstool' come from?

Our mistrust of mushrooms is summed up by the word ‘toadstool’ – a name indiscriminately applied to many species of fungi, well known 'to grow where old rustie iron lieth, or rotten clouts, or neere to serpents dens'. Toads were once considered venomous and so were toadstools and herbalists regarded them to be ‘poysonous damp weeds’ and best avoided.

A deadly poisonous fungus. It’s rare in the UK, but responsible for several deaths in Europe. People have eaten it after mistaking it for chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) and magic mushroom (Psilocybe species).

Where: in coniferous pine and spruce woods. It grows on the ground, often among heather and bilberry.

When: autumn.

The world's most deadly fungus, and it's common in England. Deathcap is responsible for most fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. 

Where: it grows on the ground in broadleaved woods.

When: summer to autumn.

Don't be fooled by its pure white appearance. While rare, destroying angel is a deadly poisonous mushroom. 

Where: it grows on the ground in broadleaved and mixed woodland, especially birch woodland. 

When: late summer to autumn. 

Fool's conecap is deadly poisonous and contains the same toxin as deathcap mushrooms. 

Where: you could come across this species in your garden. It grows in leaf litter, rotting woodchip piles, sawdust, rich soil and compost. It's uncommon but widespread.

When: autumn.

It’s also known as the sweating mushroom, describing its potentially deadly effects. Fool's funnel often grows in fairy rings (naturally occurring circles made up of mushrooms), like the edible fairy ring champignon (Marasmius oreades), so be extra cautious when identifying species during an edible mushroom foray.

Where: lawns, meadows and other grassy areas.

When: autumn.

A small but deadly mushroom that grows in clusters on tree stumps and bark. It’s not particularly common in Britain.

Where: mixed or coniferous woods. Grows on dead and decaying wood.

When: summer and autumn.

A beautiful but poisonous mushroom that’s uncommon in the UK. It contains similar toxins to those in fly agaric (Amanita muscaria).

Where: broadleaved woods, especially beech or oak.

When: summer to autumn.

This distinctive pure white stemless-toadstool fungus grows in clusters on decaying conifer wood. It’s quite common in the Scottish Highlands and in Cumbria but it’s rare elsewhere. Just appreciate it for its beauty.

Where: it grows on decaying stumps and branches in conifer woodlands.

When: autumn.