Red Mushrooms in Tennessee: Identification

Tennessee is home to a variety of red mushrooms, some of which are edible and some of which are poisonous.

It’s important to be able to identify these mushrooms to avoid any potential health risks.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the red mushrooms found in Tennessee and provide tips on how to identify them.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Tennessee is home to a variety of red mushrooms, some of which are edible and some of which are poisonous.
It’s important to be able to identify these mushrooms to avoid any potential health risks.
The Deadly Webcap Mushroom (Cortinarius rubellus) is a poisonous mushroom that can be found in yards in Tennessee and the United States. It contains a toxin called orellanine, which can cause kidney damage and even death if ingested.
The Vermilion Waxcap Mushroom (Hygrocybe miniata) is a bright red mushroom that can be found in Tennessee. It is edible, but it is not very flavorful.
The Red Juice Tooth (Hydnellum peckii) is a red mushroom that can be found in Grundy Forest State Natural Area in Tennessee. It is not poisonous, but it is not considered edible due to its bitter taste.
Russula mushrooms are a type of mushroom that come in many colors, including red. They can be found in Tennessee. Some species of Russula mushrooms are edible, but others are poisonous, so it’s important to be able to identify them correctly.
Always be sure of your identification before consuming any wild mushrooms.
Consult an expert if you are unsure about the identification of a mushroom.
Never eat mushrooms that have not been properly identified as safe to eat.
Avoid eating mushrooms that have a bitter or unpleasant taste.
Be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming wild mushrooms, including kidney damage and death.

The Deadly Webcap Mushroom (Cortinarius rubellus) is a poisonous mushroom that can be found in yards in Tennessee and the United States.

You will find them under pine and spruce trees and in damp areas.

The cap of the mushroom is red or reddish-brown, and the stem is often yellow or orange.

The gills are also yellow or orange and turn rusty brown as the mushroom ages.

The Deadly Webcap Mushroom contains a toxin called orellanine, which can cause kidney damage and even death if ingested.

The Vermilion Waxcap Mushroom (Hygrocybe miniata) is a bright red mushroom that can be found in Tennessee.

It has a smooth, dry cap that is convex or flat and a stem that is often the same color as the cap.

The gills are widely spaced and are a bright yellow-orange color.

The Vermilion Waxcap Mushroom is edible, but it is not very flavorful.

The Red Juice Tooth (Hydnellum peckii) is a red mushroom that can be found in Grundy Forest State Natural Area in Tennessee.

It has a red, tooth-like cap that oozes a red juice when it is cut or broken.

The stem is also red and has a fuzzy texture.

The Red Juice Tooth is not poisonous, but it is not considered edible due to its bitter taste.

Russula mushrooms are a type of mushroom that come in many colors, including red. They can be found in Tennessee.

Russula mushrooms have a convex cap and a stem that is often the same color as the cap.

The gills are widely spaced and are white or cream-colored.

Some species of Russula mushrooms are edible, but others are poisonous, so it’s important to be able to identify them correctly.

It’s important to be cautious when identifying wild mushrooms, as some can be poisonous and even deadly.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

Always be sure of your identification before consuming any wild mushrooms.
Consult an expert if you are unsure about the identification of a mushroom.
Never eat mushrooms that have not been properly identified as safe to eat.
Avoid eating mushrooms that have a bitter or unpleasant taste.
Be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming wild mushrooms, including kidney damage and death.

Tennessee is home to a variety of red mushrooms, some of which are edible and some of which are poisonous.

It’s important to be able to identify these mushrooms to avoid any potential health risks.

Remember to always be cautious when identifying wild mushrooms and to consult an expert if you are unsure about the identification of a mushroom.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Tennessee’s red mushrooms without putting your health at risk.