Can you tell if a mushroom is poisonous by the color of its spores?

While the color of a mushroom's spores can provide some clues as to whether it is poisonous or not, it is not a reliable indicator on its own. Many factors need to be considered when determining the toxicity of a mushroom, including its physical characteristics, habitat, and region. Even experts in mycology, the study of fungi, must rely on more than just spore color to identify a mushroom species and determine if it is safe to eat.

However, spore color can be a helpful tool when used in combination with other identifying features. For example, the spores of some commonly consumed edible mushrooms, such as button mushrooms, are white or cream-colored. In contrast, the spores of some highly toxic mushrooms, such as the death cap, are greenish-yellow.

If you are interested in foraging for wild mushrooms or buying them from a farmer's market, it is important to educate yourself on how to properly identify different species and learn which ones are safe to eat. Do not rely on spore color alone, and always consult an expert if you are unsure about the identity of a mushroom.