Toxic but Beautiful

Two mushroom specimens grow between tree roots in the middle of the hiking trail. One is yellow with white spots on an opened cap. The other is yellow with prong-like tops growing out of hundreds of tentacles, looking similar to coral reef.

“Toxic but Beautiful” depicts two beautiful mushroom specimens I nearly stepped on while hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota.

The taller mushroom with spots may remind you of Mario Brothers—it is an American Eastern Yellow Fly Agaric mushroom (a member of the Amanita genus) and is one of the most recognizable mushrooms in the world. The Fly Agaric is toxic, and it is true that about 90% of mushroom-related fatalities involve Amanitas. Fly Agaric contains hallucinogenic compounds and may have been involved in prehistoric rituals. It is poisonous in large, possibly even in moderate amounts, but not normally fatal.

The yellow coral mushroom is of the Ramaria variety. I believe this to be Ramaria Aurea, commonly known as “Golden Coral Fungus”—although I am not 100% certain of my identification. The genus Ramaria comprises approximately 200 species of coral fungi. Several are edible, including Ramaria Aurea—though eating is not recommended due possible confusion with several species that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Purchase “Toxic but Beautiful” Print

This print can be purchased at my vendor booth at local events, or you can contact me to purchase.

8x10 matted: $20
(use 11x17 frame)

5x7 matted: $10
(use 8x10 frame)

4x6 matted: $5
(use 5x7 frame)

Shipping is not included. If your order requires shipment, shipping charges will be added to the order.