What Fungus Grows on Rye

Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and less commonly on other grasses such as wheat. Ergot has an interesting history. During the Middle Ages, ergotism

Is ergot a hallucinogen?

Ergot is a fungus blight that forms hallucinogenic drugs in bread. Its victims can appear bewitched when they’re actually stoned. Ergot thrives in a cold winter followed by a wet spring. The victims of ergot might suffer paranoia and hallucinations, twitches and spasms, cardiovascular trouble, and stillborn children.

Is ergot fungus toxic?

When ergot-containing rye crops were harvested and prepared for use in the kitchen, the ergots were also. This led to ergotism, ergot poisoning in humans and animals, because in addition to a dormant C. purpurea, the ergot also contains a plethora of poisonous fungal metabolites.