The information, photos, and guidance found on this website are provided for informational purposes only and must never replace the advice of a professional mycologist for mushroom identification. Only proper training or expert confirmation by a mycologist can allow you to safely identify wild mushrooms. When in doubt, a forager should always refrain from consuming any unknown specimen.
For Your Health – PRECAUTIONS WITH WILD MUSHROOMS (French)
If a toxic product is swallowed:
📞 1-800-463-5060
Toll-free phone service (24/7).
Acute poisoning refers to a single or repeated exposure over a short period of time involving a child or adult who:
IMPORTANT: If the person is not breathing or is unconscious, call 911.
When consuming wild mushrooms for the first time, or trying a new species, it is strongly recommended to eat only a small quantity to test for any intolerance or allergy. Also note: all wild mushrooms must be cooked before consumption. The authors and publisher of this website cannot be held responsible for any misidentification leading to mushroom consumption.
Always consult a professional mycologist to ensure correct identification of any species you intend to eat. Also remember: mushrooms stored in poor conditions — whose flesh is dead or decomposing — can be unsafe to eat, just like any spoiled or degraded food, and may lead to food poisoning or other health issues.
IMPORTANT: Never eat raw mushrooms.
The vast majority of dehydrated mushrooms sold in our markets are imported from abroad and repackaged in Quebec. Often, there is no traceability. With the exception of easily recognizable species like morels, it is very difficult to know exactly what kind of mushroom you’re buying. These products are responsible for a number of poisonings. The main reason behind these imports is low cost. It takes approximately 12 kg of fresh mushrooms to produce 1 kg of dehydrated mushrooms. If 1 kg of fresh mushrooms sells for $30.00, the equivalent cost for raw material is $360.00/kg, not including slicing, drying, packaging, and marketing expenses.
To purchase Quebec-grown dehydrated mushrooms, expect a higher price and make sure to deal with a reputable and conscientious local processor.
For Your Health – MUSHROOMS ON THE MARKET (French)
Tous connaissent ce champignon qui fructifie sur nos pelouses dès les premières froidures de l’automne 1 2. Il est autant détesté qu’aimé. Les amateurs de pelouses parfaites se hâtent de passer la tondeuse pour le faire disparaitre de la vue de tous, répandant ainsi sa semence sur d’autres parties du terrain. Si le travail est fait à forfait, la semence voyage sur les terrains voisins.
Il se conserve pendant peu de temps, les boutons devant être cuisinés ou transformés la journée même de la cueillette ou le lendemain 2 4. Contrairement aux autres coprins, il peut être consommé avec de l’alcool. Son habitat, la forme cylindrique de son chapeau, sa couleur blanc grisâtre et ses écailles retroussées permettent de l’identifier avec certitude 3 4.
Son pied est creux 4; on remarque que le jeune bouton à gauche est parfait et que la déliquescence du chapeau est déjà amorcée sur celui de droite le rendant impropre à la consommation (du moins dans sa partie inférieure). La déliquescence s’amorce dès que la bordure du chapeau se détache de l’anneau à la base du pied, juste au-dessus du renflement du bulbe.
La photo 6 illustre les diverses étapes de déliquescence du chapeau. Seule la fructification de gauche peut être considérée comme étant de qualité. Les dernières photos illustrent sa fin de vie. Le coprin chevelu est abondant, mais beaucoup plus destiné à un usage personnel que commercial.
Crédits photos @ Fernand Miron.

















































