The Sickener
Russula emetica
deadly
Distribution
British Isles, continental Europe, northern Africa, parts of Asia, North America; very widespread
Habitat
Ectomycorrhizal under pine and spruce trees; also found on damp heathlands and in coniferous forests
Season
August through October
Toxin Type
Unknown GI irritants
Symptoms
Nausea and violent vomiting (hence the name 'The Sickener'), severe stomach pains, diarrhea. Raw tasting causes the mouth and tongue to tingle and burn. Onset typically within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Hallucinogenic Effects
No significant visual or neurological effects beyond GI distress. The extreme pepper-like burning taste when raw is a distinctive feature. Some reports of mild headache accompanying the GI symptoms.
User Reported Vision
Everything turned sickeningly bright red. Nausea-inducing patterns swirled everywhere. I saw vomiting figures bent over in agony.