Scientific Name
Omphalotus olearius (Clitocybe illudens)
Common Name
Jack-O-Lantern
Anatomy of a Mushroom

Plant Pathology Information Note

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Mushroom Description
CAP orange to yellow-orange, up to 4 inches in diameter. GILLS yellow-orange, decurrent on the stalk. STALK orange to yellow-orange, usually curved. ANNULUS none. SPORE PRINT white.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, landscape. In clusters of up to 15-20 mushrooms usually at the base of a living oak or from stumps or buried wood (roots), occasionally on other deciduous trees.
Mode
Ingestion
Poisonous Part
Mushroom
Symptoms
Patient experiences severe stomach ache, headache, sweating , nausea, exhaustion, vomiting, bitter taste, salivation and a cold feeling. On set of symptoms is usually 1-3 hours after ingestion. Most patients recover in 5-6 days.
Edibility
NOT EDIBLE!
Comments
This mushroom is quite noticeable due to its color, size and occurrence in clusters near trees or stumps. It is bioluminescent.
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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