Ergot / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) is a fascinating yet highly toxic fungus that grows on the seeds of grasses and cereal crops, particularly Rye. Recognised by its dark, horn-like growths protruding from grain heads, Ergot has a long and notorious history—once responsible for mass poisonings…
Category: Toxic
Daffodil / Spring / Summer / Toxic The Daffodil (Narcissus species) is one of the most recognisable and beloved flowers in the UK, signalling the arrival of spring with its bright yellow and white blooms. Often found in gardens, parks, and even wild landscapes, these cheerful flowers are a symbol…
Poison Pie / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Poison Pie (Hebeloma species) is a group of toxic mushrooms often found in woodlands, grassy areas, and even parklands across the UK. With their smooth, pale-brown caps and cream-coloured gills, they might look like an edible treat to an…
Common Dogwood / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a familiar sight in hedgerows, woodlands, and gardens across the UK, admired for its vibrant red stems in winter and clusters of creamy white flowers in spring. As the seasons turn, its…
White Bryony / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic White Bryony (Bryonia dioica) is a striking climbing plant found weaving its way through hedgerows and woodland edges across the UK. Its twisting tendrils, lobed leaves, and clusters of small greenish flowers give way to bright red berries in autumn,…
Scarlet pimpernel / Spring / Summer / Toxic The Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a charming wildflower often spotted brightening up fields, gardens, and roadside verges across the UK. With its vivid orange-red flowers and creeping habit, it’s hard to miss and often mistaken for an edible herb by novice…
Cinnamon Bracket / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Cinnamon Bracket (Hapalopilus nidulans) is one of those mushrooms that stops you in your tracks during a woodland walk. Its warm, cinnamon-brown colour and soft, velvety texture make it stand out against the dull greys and greens…
Fenugreek Milkcap / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Fenugreek Milkcap (Lactarius helvus) is a striking mushroom that stands out not just for its appearance but for its unusual, spicy aroma reminiscent of fenugreek or maple syrup. Found in acidic, mossy woodlands across the UK, particularly around pine trees, this…
As an avid forager and mushroom enthusiast, I used to be really worried about poisonous mushrooms in the UK, I’ve always been fascinated by the diverse world of fungi in the UK. But let me tell you, not all mushrooms are created equal! Some can be downright dangerous, and that’s…
Deadly Webcap / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Deadly Toxic The Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) is one of the most dangerous mushrooms found in the UK, European and North American forests. With its deceptively ordinary appearance, this species has been responsible for numerous cases of severe poisoning and fatalities.…