Home > Death angel

Photo By damontighe

Death angel

Amanita ocreata

A species of Amanita mushrooms, Also known as Western destroying angel, Angel of death

The death angel (Amanita ocreata) should be avoided and identified only from afar. It is highly toxic, can cause death if consumed, and hands should be washed if you think you might have even touched one of these. Growing from the litter beneath oak trees, this mushroom's bell-shaped cap is ocher in color, with bright white gills on the underside.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 15 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Death angel

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Death angel

Cap Diameter

4 - 15 cm

Height

12 - 25 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 13 cm across; convex; cream; nearly smooth; margin decurved to plane

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Adnexed; crowded, close; white to cream

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 10 - 22 cm long, 1.5 - 3 cm thick; round; pallid

Stem Shapes

With Cup

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Solid; white or very pale cream; unchanging

Volva

Thin; membranous, somewhat tough; white; surface soft

Ring

Membranous, floccose-fibrillose; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

White

Pink

Cream

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Death angel by these plants:

Coast live oak

Occurence Habitats

Scrublands

Species Status

Least Concern

How to Identify Death angel

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Death angel

The death angel grows in wooded areas and it's mostly associated with oaks, particularly Coast liveoak (Quercus agrifolia). It is always found near the roots of a host tree, in a symbiotic relationship in which the two species feed each other essential nutrients.

Scientific Classification of Death angel

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Toxicity and Edibility of Death angel

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

Unlock the Secrets of Mushroom Varieties, Edibility, Toxicity, and Safety Tips!

Download the App for Free

Is Death angel Toxic?

Typically found in coastal and foothill regions during wet winters, death angel is a highly toxic pale mushroom. Poisoning can lead to abdominal cramps, vomiting, dizziness, and in serious cases, heart or liver failure. It is distinguishable by its white, gilled cap and stout stem. Death angel is deadly; never consume it under any circumstance.

Toxins type

Amatoxins, Phallotoxins, Virotoxins

Type of poisoning

Hepatotoxic

Toxic Severity

Extreme toxicity

Incubation Period

4-24 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Early symptoms: abdominal cramps, nausea, weakness, vomiting, and dizziness, with potential for circulatory failure.

Later stages: calf and abdominal cramps, hepatitis, heart failure, bloody diarrhea, and liver damage.

Is Death angel Toxic to Dogs?

Death angel is a highly toxic species of mushroom, all parts of which can pose serious hazards to dogs. This fungus is responsible for many animal fatalities and the effects of poisoning may not become apparent for several hours. The toxins in the death angel lead to liver and kidney failure so see a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has consumed this mushroom.

Similar Species to Death angel

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Death angel

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Death angel

Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Death angel

Search around the base of oak trees, as death angel typically grows in these areas.
Look for death angel where the sunlight reaches the forest floor through gaps in the tree canopy.
Inspect areas with well-drained soil, avoiding overly waterlogged or muddy spots.
Seek out slightly acidic soil, which may look lighter in color as a clue.
Gently brush away leaf litter to uncover death angel that may be hidden underneath.