Scientific Name
Galerina autumnalis
Common Name
Deadly Galernia, Autumn Skullcap
Anatomy of a Mushroom

Plant Pathology Information Note

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Plant Description
CAP small, about 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter, sticky when moist, dark brown to brownish yellow as it dries, margin striate when wet. GILLS attached to the top of the stalk, yellow becoming brown as spores develop. STALK light brown to tan, fibrillose below annulus, hollow, base with dense white mycelium. ANNULUS white becoming brown with spore deposit, located near the top of the stalk, may disappear with age. SPORE PRINT rusty brown.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Apparently well distributed throughout NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, landscape. Singly or in small clusters on rotted wood.
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
The small brown sticky caps, white annulus, rusty brown spore prints and occurrence on rotted wood are good diagnostic characteristics. This species is one of a complex that is best separated by an expert. Galerina marginata and G.veneata also contain the same toxins produced by G. autumnalis making these three species some of our most poisonous mushrooms.
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.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species