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Death cap

Amanita phalloides

A species of Amanita mushrooms

The death cap is responsible for most of the mushroom-related fatalities around the world. Its toxin damages the liver and kidneys, creating symptoms that require hospitalization within hours of ingestion. It looks similar to many other mushrooms at varying stages of its development and has been used in assassinations since the days of the ancient Greeks.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 16 cm

Odor:

Mild when young, unpleasantly sweet when older.

General Info About Death cap

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Attributes of Death cap

Cap Diameter

4 - 16 cm

Height

8 - 20 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 16 cm across; pale olive to yellowish, silvery gray, whitish; surface smooth, with patches of veil remains

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Free; close, crowded; white

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 5 - 18 cm long, 1 - 2.5 cm thick; white; with fine zigzag markings

Stem Shapes

With Cup

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

White; unchanging when sliced

Volva

Swollen base of the stem; sack-like; white

Ring

On the stem; skirtlike; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mild when young, unpleasantly sweet when older.

Body Color

Brown

Green

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Death cap by these plants:

Coast live oak, Bishop pine, Oaks, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Death cap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Death cap

The death cap is a mushroom that builds a symbiotic relationship with a wide range of trees, but mostly oaks. It is mainly a woodland species but tends to appear in lawns near trees.

Distribution Area of Death cap

Europe,North Africa,western Asia;introduced in North America,eastern and southern Africa,South America,Australia,New Zealand

Scientific Classification of Death cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Toxicity and Edibility of Death cap

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Is Death cap Toxic?

Death cap is commonly found in deciduous and coniferous woods during warmer seasons. Its hepatotoxic properties can provoke initial symptoms like nausea, weakness, and abdominal cramps, potentially leading to circulatory failure. In later stages, it may result in severe liver and heart damage. Its distinct white gills and greenish cap helps differentiate death cap from non-toxic varieties.

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 cap Toxic to Dogs?

Death cap contains cyclopeptides which are incredibly poisonous to dogs and may be fatal. Medical help should be obtained immediately if your dog ingests this mushroom. Symptoms may not show for a few hours but include nausea, vomiting, gastric pain, and diarrhea. Within a few days, the liver and kidneys fail. Unfortunately, it is a common mushroom and attracts dogs with its fishy smell.

Similar Species to Death cap

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Tips for Finding Death cap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Death cap

Well-drained, nutrient-rich, with a preference for calcareous soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Death cap

Search near deciduous trees, focusing on areas around oaks for potential death cap growth.
Inspect well-drained regions, where the soil appears rich in organic matter.
Observe for gregarious groupings as death cap can grow alone or in clusters.
Explore consistently, as death cap may appear sporadically in suitable habitats.
Use a gentle touch when searching to avoid damaging the fragile fruiting bodies of death cap.