Mushroom guide

Identify wild mushrooms safely

Search our mushroom encyclopedia to learn about different species and spot common lookalikes.

Stay safe while exploring, and never eat a wild mushroom based on a photo alone.

Identify Plants For Free
  • Safety First

    Never eat a mushroom based solely on a photo. Always check with a local expert.

  • Spot Lookalikes

    Learn the key details that separate this species from dangerous lookalikes.

  • Mushroom Encyclopedia

    Explore our mushroom encyclopedia to discover more species and foraging safety tips.

Mushroom Safety

Explore the mushroom encyclopedia

Learn how to identify wild mushrooms, spot dangerous lookalikes, and stay safe while exploring nature.

Spot key details

Learn the specific cap shapes, gill structures, and stem features that help you identify different species in the wild.

Watch for lookalikes

Many harmless mushrooms have toxic twins. We help you compare similar species so you know exactly what to avoid.

Always verify before you forage

Never eat a wild mushroom based on a photo alone. Always consult a local foraging expert to confirm your findings.

How it works

Learn from the mushroom encyclopedia

Learn how to identify fungi, spot dangerous lookalikes, and stay safe in the wild.

Taking a photo of a wild mushroom
1

Snap a clear photo

Take a picture of the mushroom's cap, stem, and gills. Good lighting helps you get the most accurate match.

Mushroom identification results
2

Find your match

Identify the species in seconds. Read about its unique traits, preferred habitat, and history to understand exactly what you found.

Comparing mushroom lookalikes
3

Check for lookalikes

Review common lookalikes and strict edibility warnings. Never eat a wild mushroom based on a photo identification alone.

Why use a mushroom encyclopedia

Learn to identify wild species, spot dangerous lookalikes, and stay safe while exploring the outdoors.

Trailside Discoveries

Snap a photo of that weird fungus on your hike. Find out what it is in seconds without touching it.

Safe Foraging Practices

Learn to spot dangerous lookalikes before you pick. Remember, never eat a wild mushroom based on a photo alone.

Build Your Knowledge

Dive into our complete mushroom encyclopedia. Read up on cap shapes, gill structures, and common habitats.

Yard Safety for Pets

Identify sudden yard mushrooms so you know what is growing. Always keep pets away from unknown wild fungi.

Features

Inside the mushroom encyclopedia

Learn key identification traits and spot dangerous lookalikes. Always prioritize safety and never eat a mushroom based on a photo alone.

Identify wild mushrooms

Snap a clear photo of the cap, stem, and gills. We compare your photo against our mushroom encyclopedia to help you learn more about your find.

Spot dangerous lookalikes

Many safe mushrooms have toxic twins. We highlight common lookalikes so you know exactly what warning signs to check before you forage.

Learn where and when it grows

Find out the preferred habitat and fruiting season for this species. Knowing if it grows on dead wood or in soil helps confirm your identification.

Forage with caution

Never eat a mushroom based on a photo identification alone. Always consult an expert mycologist or local foraging guide before consuming any wild fungi.

Common questions about mushroom identification

How do I use the mushroom encyclopedia to identify a find?
Snap a clear photo of the mushroom's cap, stem, and gills. Upload it to identify the species in seconds. Always compare your results with our detailed guides to check for dangerous lookalikes.
Can I eat a wild mushroom if the app says it is edible?
No, you should never eat a wild mushroom based on a photo identification alone. Many toxic mushrooms look almost identical to safe ones. Always consult a local foraging expert before consuming anything you find.
What parts of the mushroom should I photograph?
Get a close, well-lit photo of the top of the cap and the underside showing the gills or pores. A shot of the entire stem, including the base in the soil, also helps. This gives you the most accurate identification.
Are there poisonous lookalikes for common edible mushrooms?
Yes, many popular edible mushrooms have toxic lookalikes that grow in the exact same areas. Our guides highlight these dangerous twins so you know what to watch out for. Always double-check every identifying feature.
What should I do if I am not sure what a mushroom is?
Leave it exactly where you found it. It is never worth the risk to guess when it comes to wild mushrooms. You can still take a photo to learn more about the species later.

Grow your knowledge with our mushroom encyclopedia

Take a photo to identify plants, trees, and mushrooms in seconds. Get the exact name and learn more about what you found.

Identify from a single photo
Over 800,000 species recognized
Helpful safety and care tips