Entoloma rhodopolium (Wood pinkgill) — Poisonous Mushroom

Korean name: 삿갓외대버섯

A grey-brown mushroom often mistaken for edible species, causing group food poisoning. It is one of the most common causes of mushroom poisoning in Japan.

Key facts

• Category: Poisonous mushroom
• Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
• Native to: Korea, Japan, Europe
• Traits: Grey-brown, Group poisoning, Entoloma, GI toxin, Mountain forests
• Also known as: Wood pinkgill

Toxicity, identification & first aid

• Toxic symptoms: Contains unidentified toxins. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea within 30 minutes to 3 hours. Most people recover within a few days.
• Appearance: Cap 4–10 cm, grey-brown to grey with a slight central bump. Gills white at first, then pink.
• Where found: On the ground in broadleaf (oak, beech) forests, alone or scattered.
• Season: Summer to autumn (July–October)
• Look-alike warning: Oyster mushrooms (grey but grow on wood) and small edible oyster mushrooms.
• Emergency action: Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Watch for dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea; fluids may be needed.

Common questions

Can you eat Entoloma rhodopolium?

No. Entoloma rhodopolium is poisonous. Contains unidentified toxins. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea within 30 minutes to 3 hours. Most people recover within a few days.

What does Entoloma rhodopolium look like and where does it grow?

Cap 4–10 cm, grey-brown to grey with a slight central bump. Gills white at first, then pink. On the ground in broadleaf (oak, beech) forests, alone or scattered. Summer to autumn (July–October)

What can Entoloma rhodopolium be mistaken for?

Oyster mushrooms (grey but grow on wood) and small edible oyster mushrooms.

What should you do if someone eats Entoloma rhodopolium?

Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Watch for dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea; fluids may be needed.