Before you head out to forage mushrooms in the woods, it might be wise to download a guide with dangerous species found in Virginia.
A reference guide to poisonous mushrooms found in the state is now available as a downloadable book to keep you safe.
The Claudius Project – Poisonous Mushrooms in Virginia includes color photographs of poisonous mushrooms seen across the Commonwealth and is written to be a resource for parents, educators, healthcare providers and anyone who might consume mushrooms.
The writeup includes a photo and description of the mushroom, where it is likely to be found, what makes it poisonous, potential symptoms if consumed and possible look-alikes.
The book is named for the Roman emperor Claudius, who was famously poisoned by mushrooms in 54 A.D. It is a collaboration between the Virginia Master Naturalists, UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center and the University of Virginia School of Medicine’s division of medical toxicology.
The Claudius Project is available for download at med.virginia.edu.
For medical advice if you have consumed a poisonous mushroom or any other toxin, call the Blue Ridge Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.
Related stories
- Mushroom gummies may be harmful; five treated at UVA’s emergency department
- Decriminalization of ‘magic mushrooms’ leads to increased calls to poison centers
- Blue Ridge Poison Centers warns that carbon monoxide poisoning risk increases in winter
- Researcher: Study finds ‘significant increase in pediatric suicides’ in Virginia, nationwide
Share
Crystal Graham
