Poisonous mushrooms similar to honey mushrooms: differences and distinctions (+27 photos)

Honey mushrooms are among the most common mushrooms in temperate climates. They can be edible or inedible, and grow in colonies, usually around tree stumps. This group includes representatives of five genera from three different families. Furthermore, mushrooms very similar to honey mushrooms, as well as poisonous species of the latter, are quite common.

Among the wide variety of mushroom lookalikes, poisonous species are often encountered, the danger of which cannot be mitigated by soaking or heat treatment. Among these, the false, sulfur-yellow, and brick-red varieties stand out. Distinguishing features of these varieties include a more intense, vibrant coloration, surface texture, coloration, and structural differences in the stem.

Features of the species and photos

Most mushrooms that form large colonies near tree stumps are commonly called honey fungi. This group also includes species that grow in open areas among grass. There are seasonal varieties of honey fungi, and most are completely edible.

The summer species is found from mid-spring to late autumn in deciduous forests of the temperate zone. The smooth, slightly slimy cap of adult specimens can reach 6 cm in size. Its convex shape changes as it matures, widening and forming a wide tubercle in the center.

The coloration ranges from light yellow to dark brown. The thick stem, with a ring at the top, reaches a height of 7 cm. The lower half of the stem is covered with dark scales, and the upper half has a ring.

The autumn honey fungus grows on tree stumps, roots, and trunks. It is most often found in large groups in damp autumn forests from late August until early winter, at temperatures above 100°C (212°F). Its distinctive external features include scaly stems and brown caps up to 17 cm in diameter.

A parasite, the winter honey fungus inhabits deciduous trees and dead wood. It grows in dense colonies during the cold season and can often be found even under snow. The winter variety of the mushroom is characterized by a small, light-brown cap and a stem up to 7 cm long.

Edible and conditionally edible mushrooms similar to honey mushrooms

The ability to distinguish “good” forest gifts from “bad” ones is vital, since the health and lives of people who eat them depend on it.

Edible scales

This species is most common in temperate climates. Its cap, covered in dark scales, can grow up to 20 cm in diameter, and its stem often reaches 15 cm in length.

Young specimens are characterized by a rich reddish color. The firm, firm flesh does not change color when damaged. These fruits grow singly or in groups in deciduous or mixed forests from midsummer to late fall.

The scaly mushroom is a semi-edible species and contains substances with beneficial effects on the human body. It is used medicinally to treat gout and other joint conditions.

Other

The yellow-red rowan can be found from late summer to the first half of autumn on deadwood in coniferous forests. Its cap is covered with scales. Besides its bright color, a distinctive appearance is the absence of a ring under the cap. This mushroom must be soaked and boiled before consumption.

Edible meadow honey mushrooms can be safely consumed in almost any form. From summer to mid-autumn, they can be found in forest clearings, meadows, and gardens. These small mushrooms, with a light-brown cap and thin stem, have a distinct mushroom aroma.

The meadow honey fungus can be found from early summer to late October in open areas, roadsides, forest clearings, and gardens. This small mushroom (6 cm tall) has an excellent flavor, making it a popular choice among mushroom pickers.

Poisonous and inedible look-alikes

Beginning mushroom pickers should learn the important distinguishing features of each representative of the poisonous look-alike group to avoid poisoning.

Inedible scales

The sticky scaly cap grows on deadwood and stumps. As it grows, its cap changes shape from hemispherical to spreading, convex in the center with drooping, smooth edges and sparse scales. The mushroom is light brown or beige in color. Its tapering stem, with dense yellow flesh, is cylindrical. Like most inedible mushrooms, the flesh is bitter.

The scaly mushroom is characterized by a convex, semi-circular, beige cap, 6-15 cm in diameter, covered in wide white scales. The thick stem, which widens at the base, is studded with light, flake-like scales. The whitish, corky flesh has a strong, unpleasant odor and a bitter taste. This mushroom most often grows on the trunks of deciduous trees.

False honey mushrooms

In the fall, during the peak mushroom season, you can encounter lookalikes alongside true honey fungi. The false brick-red honey fungus resembles the summer variety with a smooth cap, but lacks the skirt and scales on the stem. It bears fruit from August to October, so it can end up in the baskets of mushroom pickers instead of autumn honey fungi. Due to its toxicity, these reddish-tinted fruits are best avoided.

The white talker is very similar in appearance to the meadow honey fungus. This mushroom also grows outdoors. Its flat or depressed white cap with a whitish tint becomes slimy in damp weather. The lack of a convex center on the cap is an important distinguishing feature. Furthermore, the more closely spaced yellowish gills indicate that this mushroom belongs to this species.

Poisonous sulfur-yellow honey mushrooms

At the beginning of their life, these mushrooms resemble a bell with a ring on the stem. Mature honey mushrooms have smooth, dry caps up to 7 cm in diameter, with a tubercle in the center. The yellow, smooth, hollow stems reach 10 cm in length. A distinctive feature is the fringe on the edge of the cap and the absence of any scales.

The sulfur-yellow variety is characterized by a strong, unpleasant odor. A key difference between these poisonous "gifts of the forest" and edible mushrooms is the bright yellow gills under the cap, which turn olive-black in adults. Another unique feature is the brown spot in the center of the cap.

Rules for collecting edible honey mushrooms

When "silent hunting," it's important to exercise caution and attention to avoid accidentally picking poisonous mushrooms. Look for honey mushrooms in deciduous forests, on stumps or fallen tree trunks.

It is important to remember the following rules for collecting honey mushrooms:

• Edible mushrooms grow exclusively on wood;
• On the stem under the cap of real honey mushrooms there should be a distinct ring;
• There are many scales on the cap and stem;
• brightly colored caps and dark plates underneath are signs of false honey mushrooms;
• poisonous species emit a strong unpleasant odor;
• The flesh of inedible mushrooms is bitter to the taste.

When going into the forest, it's recommended to take a basket rather than a bucket to better ventilate the harvest. It's best to store the mushrooms cap-side down or sideways. Carefully inspect each mushroom, choosing undamaged and young ones.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Despite their superficial similarities, many honey mushroom lookalikes have distinctive differences. Experienced mushroom pickers advise choosing only well-known species. If in doubt, it's recommended to leave any suspect mushrooms in the forest.