Scientific Name
Amanita gemmata
Common Name
Gemmed Amanita, Jeweled Deathcap

Anatomy of a Mushroom

Plant Pathology Information Note

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Mushroom Description
CAP yellow to pinkish yellow; covered with small to medium white scales or warts. GILLS white, close, not attached to the stalk. STALK white with a bulbous base with a distinct collar; ANNULUS white, fragile often disappearing with age, located near the top of the stalk. SPORE PRINT white.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, landscape. Single or in small groups in mixed hardwood-conifer forests or in pure pine stands.
Mode
Ingestion
Poisonous Part
Mushroom
Symptoms
Person may appear intoxicated or have visual hallucinations within 3 minutes to 3 hours after eating. Other reactions include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, irregular and slow heart beat, agitation and in exceptionally rare cases of severe poisoning - coma, convulsions and death.
Edibility
NOT EDIBLE!
Comments
This species is similar to Amanita muscaria , A. pantherina, and A. cothurnata and apparently interbreeds with them. These species do occur in North Carolina but apparently not as commonly as A. gemmata and A. muscaria.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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