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The Death Angel (Amanita) is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus in the genus Amanita, one of the most poisonous of all known toadstools. It is found in Europe and North America, where it is associated with various deciduous and coniferous trees. Amanita species are among the most poisonous of all known fungi, responsible for approximately 95% of the fatalities resulting from mushroom poisoning.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Pure white, smooth, and may have a slightly sticky surface when moist. Starts convex, becoming flat with age.
- Gills
- Free, white, and crowded.
- Stem
- White, smooth, with a ring (annulus) and a volva at the base.
- Flesh
- White and does not change color when cut.
- Fruiting body
- Typically appears in late summer and autumn.
- Habitat
- Woodlands, especially near oak, beech, and pine trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Solitary or scattered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: White
- Odor: Faint, sometimes described as honey-like when young, but can become unpleasant
- Flesh bruises: No bruising
- Height: 8-20 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Toxic
DeadlyExtremely poisonous; contains amatoxins and phallotoxins which cause severe liver and kidney damage, often leading to death.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faint, sometimes honey-like
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Soil, near deciduous and coniferous trees
Where to Find
Europe and North America
Found in Europe and North America.
Woodlands
Associated with various deciduous and coniferous trees.
Finding Tips
Key Features
Look for pure white mushrooms with a distinct ring on the stem and a volva at the base.
Habitat
Check areas near oak, beech, and pine trees.
Similar Species
Field Mushroom
Agaricus
Also known as: Meadow Mushroom
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Amanitaceae
- Genus
- Amanita
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