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Death Angel Amanita virosa

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Death Angel:

Phonetic Spelling
am-ah-NEE-tah vir-OH-suh
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

 Amanita virosa, or Death Angel, is a poisonous mushroom native to Europe, where it is commonly known as Destroying Angel. It is found in mixed oak-hardwood conifer forests, other natural areas, or in the landscape, either singly or in small groups.  It is not found in North America.  Note, however, that other, equally poisonous members of the Aminata family are found in North America, such as A. bisporigera.

The cap of A. virosa is white, smooth, and the center may become a dull tan with age. The gills are white, not attached to the stalk, and close. The stalk is white, cottony to somewhat pearly, and sometimes with a bulbous base. The annulus (ring) is white, large, flaring, persistent, and is located at the top of the stalk. A white cup-like sheath (volva) is found at the base of the stalk. The spore print is white.

A. virosa is a larger species than A. bisporigera, but equally poisonous. Its identifying characteristics include its annulus and volva. When ingested, there is a lag period following initial symptoms which can lull the patient into a false sense of security, believing that the danger has passed.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#forest mushroom#non-edible mushrooms#poisonous mushrooms#mushrooms
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#forest mushroom#non-edible mushrooms#poisonous mushrooms#mushrooms
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Amanita
    Species:
    virosa
    Family:
    Amanitaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, Asia
    Distribution:
    Restricted to Europe; not found in the United States.
    Edibility:
    Poisonous. One cap of A. virosa is enough to kill an adult human.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Mushroom
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    One of the most poisonous mushrooms, it is highly toxic and can be fatal if eaten. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, liver and kidney failure. The toxins in this plant attack the central nervous system.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Amanitin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Stems