FAQ

  • Help! My dog/child/friend ate this mushroom, is it dangerous?

    For CONFIRMED INGESTION, please DO NOT contact us.

    Contact Poison Control and Poisons Help; Emergency Identification For Mushrooms & Plants for professional advice and quick response time.

    Mushrooms are safe to touch, smell, and even chew up and spit out. If you are worried about a mushroom in your yard, etc. we would love to help you identify it. Get in touch with our Identification Committee at whatsthatshroom@gmail.com, or request ID help on the Iowa Mushrooms Facebook page.

  • How can I tell if a mushroom is edible?

    There is no easy way to tell if a mushroom is edible or not. You simply must know what species it is. If you are new to mushroom foraging, and you think you have something edible, please contact us to confirm ID, or request help on the Iowa Mushrooms Facebook group. Never, ever eat a mushroom you have not positively identified, and always cook wild mushrooms unless you have confirmed it is edible raw.

    The most poisonous mushrooms in Iowa are Galerina marginata and Amanita bisporigera. These mushrooms contain lethal amatoxins. Many other mushrooms contain toxins that will cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Contact Poison Control if you have eaten a poisonous mushroom.

  • Do I need to know how to mushroom hunt before I can come on a foray?

    Not at all! I am surprised at how many people ask this question, or say they didn't come on past forays because they were embarrassed to not know anything about mushroom hunting. One of our main missions is to introduce people to fungi - we are not in the business of gatekeeping knowledge.

    We LOVE teaching newbies, so if you have no experience at all, please come to one of our forays!

  • I want to get involved in the club. How do I do that?

    Fantastic! We love willing volunteers. Come to forays and other events, and join your Iowa mushrooming community at the Iowa Mushrooms Facebook group.

    Email us at iowamushroom@gmail.com to discuss how you can lend a hand, and let us know if you are interested in joining one of our committees or nominating yourself for a board position for the next year!

  • What do I need to bring on a foray?

    Expect to go off-trail and do some moderate hiking! We recommend long pants and hiking shoes, even in the summer. Bring water to stay hydrated, and bug repellent for mosquitoes and ticks. A small knife and basket/paper bag are necessities for collecting mushrooms.

  • Can I suggest a foray location and/or date?

    Absolutely! We will do our best to accommodate requests. If we know you already and you wish to lead a foray, or want to request a foray to be held on your own property, please reach out.

  • Can I donate to the club?

    Yes! PSMC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 42-1485427). You can donate here: https://www.iowamushroom.org/donate and your donations are tax-deductible.