Scientific Name
Amanita muscaria
Common Name
Fly Agaric
Anatomy of a Mushroom

Plant Pathology Information Note

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Mushroom Description
CAP color variable: red, salmon-red, orange or yellow; covered with white or yellow "scales" or patches of tissue; margin striate. GILLS white, not attached to stalk, close. STALK white to off-white with a somewhat bulbous base; ANNULUS white or with some yellow patches, thin; stalk below the annulus with scales often in concentric rings. SPORE PRINT white.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, landscape. Singly, scattered, in dense groups or even in "fairy rings" in mixed hardwood-pine forests.
Mode
Ingestion
Poisonous Part
Mushroom
Symptoms
Patient appears to be intoxicated, hallucinations, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, stomach pains, diarrhea, muscle spasms, hypotension, agitation. Some symptoms may appear in a few minutes to several hours following ingestion. Most symptoms are gone in 24 hours. The few deaths reported are in very young, old chronically ill individuals who were severely poisoned.
Edibility
NOT EDIBLE!
Comments
This is a variable species with several color varieties recognized. The cherry red form is not frequently found in North Carolina. Fruiting bodies may attain nearly 12 inches in diameter and 6-8 inches high.
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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