Scientific Name
Amanita virosa/Amanita bisporigera
Common Name
Destroying Angel, Death Angel
Anatomy of a Mushroom

Plant Pathology Information Note

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Mushroom Description
CAP white, smooth, center may become a dull tannish white with age. GILLS white, not attached to the stalk, close. STALK white, cottony to somewhat pearly, sometimes with a bulbous base; ANNULUS white, large, flaring, persistent, located at the top of the stalk; cup-like sheath (volva) at the base of the stalk, white. SPORE PRINT white.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, landscape. Singly or in small groups in mixed oak-hardwood and mixed-hardwood conifer forests.
Mode
Ingestion
Poisonous Part
Mushroom
Symptoms
Symptoms may occur 6-24 hours after eating and include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea which may persist 6-9 hours. Initial symptoms are frequently followed by a lag period up to 24 hours. During this symptomless period toxins are severely affecting the liver resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, kidney failure and death usually within 7 days after eating.
Edibility
NOT EDIBLE!
Comments
Amanita bisporigera (Death Angel) is a 2-spored, smaller species than A. virosa. Both are deadly poisonous. The lag period following initial symptoms is especially dangerous as the patient is lulled into a false sense of security.
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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