Toadstool is an informal word for a mushroom with certain aesthetic. These mushrooms have a typical umbrella-like cap and central stem growing from the ground. The term toadstool does not refer to any specific mushroom.
The most classic example of a toadstool is Amanita muscaria or Fly Agaric. This conspicuous mushroom has a red cap, white warts, and often has a skirt-like ring around the stem. This mushroom is poisonous however some people eat this mushroom as food after a lengthy process of removing the toxins.
You can browse through a selection of other Pacific Northwest Amanita species here
Amanita Mushrooms
