Tiger Tricholoma
Distribution
Scattered and patchy across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. More common in mountainous regions.
Habitat
Mycorrhizal in mountainous or upland coniferous forests with well-drained, acidic soils rich in leaf litter. Often under pine and spruce.
Season
Late summer through autumn (August to November)
Toxin Type
Unspecified gastrointestinal irritants
Symptoms
Nausea, violent vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, profuse diarrhea, fatigue, and dehydration. Onset typically within 15 minutes to 2 hours. Symptoms can be severe and last several hours. Recovery usually within a few days with supportive care.
Hallucinogenic Effects
No hallucinogenic effects. The mushroom has a distinctive silvery-grey scaly cap that resembles tiger stripes, giving it its common names. Often confused with edible Tricholoma species (especially T. terreum), leading to frequent poisonings. The 'forest deceiver' name reflects this dangerous resemblance.