White Fibrecap
Distribution
Widespread across Europe, Britain, Ireland, and North America. Found throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Very common.
Habitat
Mycorrhizal with broadleaf and mixed trees. Favors humus rich in leaf litter near paths and roads. Commonly found in parks, gardens, woodland edges, and under hedgerows. One of the most common urban mushrooms.
Season
Summer and autumn (June to November).
Toxin Type
Muscarine
Symptoms
Overview: Muscarinic syndrome with very rapid onset. Mechanism: Muscarine binds to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, causing parasympathetic overstimulation. Onset: Within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. Symptoms: Intense salivation and perspiration, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive tearing (lacrimation), blurred vision (from miosis/pupil constriction), laboured breathing (bronchoconstriction). In severe cases: bradycardia, hypotension, circulatory shock, and respiratory failure. Treatment: Atropine as specific antidote, administered repeatedly until symptoms are abolished. Supportive care including emesis induction, activated charcoal, and rehydration.