ARIZONA NEWS

Poison expert warns Valley residents to stay away from ‘yard mushrooms’

Aug 23, 2021, 4:45 AM | Updated: 1:32 pm

(Wikimedia commons photo/Alan Rockefeller)...

(Wikimedia commons photo/Alan Rockefeller)

(Wikimedia commons photo/Alan Rockefeller)

PHOENIX — Poison experts are warning Valley residents to stay away from white mushrooms that are popping up on grassy lawns because of rain from the monsoon season.

They’re called chlorophyllum molybdites, also known as “yard mushrooms.”

“They look very similar to the mushrooms that you would buy at a grocery store, but these are not edible,” Maureen Roland, managing director of the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“They can cause really severe gastrointestinal distress – such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – usually within one to three hours after time of ingestion.”

She added kids and pets should stay away from these yard mushrooms.

Those found in higher elevations, such as Flagstaff and Prescott, can be even more dangerous and possibly deadly.

“They’re found pretty much in anybody’s grassy yard right now,” Roland said. “In the parks we also see them a lot. So anywhere where there’s a lot of moister and typically grassy areas is where we’re going to see them popping up.”

Anyone who eats a yard mushroom is advised to call the Banner Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Nurses, pharmacists and physicians can answer questions and help determine if medical treatment is necessary.

Roland noted the center is seeing an increase in calls related to yard mushrooms.

“We’ve actually doubled our numbers since July, and we’re not even through August yet,” she said, adding they’re getting up to two calls per day.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

This rendering shows what the Mesa Grandview Business Park will look like upon completion. (Photo v...

Serena O'Sullivan

Construction starts on 270,000-square-foot industrial development in Mesa’s Falcon District

Several companies related to the Mesa Grandview Business Park gathered with city officials for the groundbreaking of the industrial development.

3 hours ago

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

4 hours ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

6 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

7 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

10 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Poison expert warns Valley residents to stay away from ‘yard mushrooms’