fungus? yes

toad stool? no toad stool is a comon name to Amanita genus of fungi. had to go look it up in my books... Amanita Muscaria (toad stool)is a red mushroom with white flecks on top. I gave up on Los Angeles chapter of Mycological society. I live in a desert or semi-arid country. Mushroom? where??

mushroom? yes its a mushroom.

Best not to eat without proper identification.

The stuff underneath the ground is mycilium (sp). A root for a plant. Touching the mushroom will not cause poisoning. It will not poison your plant nor will it make it poisonous. If you are bothered by it, wear a disposable glove (latex or some form of plastic), collect it in a bag and throw it away.