With its bright-red cap, white warts, and ivory gills, the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) is the iconic woodland toadstool, or at least the easiest one to spot. Like some other mushrooms, the fly agaric has psychotropic properties, and traditional peoples in Siberia once used it in mysticism-infused healing ceremonies. But beware: If you consume the fungus, the only trip you'll take will be to the hospital—or the morgue.

This article appeared in the March/April 2018 edition with the headline "Dangerous Magic."