Species library · Mushrooms

Red Cage Fungus: poisonous

Clathrus ruber

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Red Cage Fungus is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. Have every wild mushroom checked by a qualified mushroom expert before eating it.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from September to November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Red Cage Fungus (Clathrus ruber)

Photo: (c) Dave Gough, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

When Red Cage Fungus appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Red Cage Fungus is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

Look up Red Cage Fungus in the app

In the Forage app, Red Cage Fungus has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Red Cage Fungus: common questions

Is Red Cage Fungus poisonous?

Yes. Red Cage Fungus is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Red Cage Fungus appear?

Red Cage Fungus usually appears from September to November in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Red Cage Fungus grow?

Red Cage Fungus is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

What can Red Cage Fungus be confused with?

Similar species: Devil's fingers, Dog stinkhorn, Common stinkhorn. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by a qualified mushroom expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits