⚠ If you suspect ingestion of this species, call Poison Control immediately:
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org
🍄
Key Identification Features
- Pure white cap (5–12 cm), white free gills, fragile white ring, prominent sack-like volva at base (dig to confirm). Found in boreal and mixed forests with conifers and birch. French local name: Ange de la mort. Lookalike: Edible puffballs or white Agaricus species — puffballs have solid white interior with no gills
- Agaricus has pink-brown gills
- Amanita virosa has pure white gills and a basal volva.
Symptoms & Toxicity
Severe cytotoxicity — amatoxin syndrome. Onset 6–24 hours. Abdominal cramps, cholera-like profuse diarrhea, rapid dehydration, hepatocyte destruction, elevated INR, jaundice, hepatic coma. Fatality risk without early intervention.
Regions Found
Region data not available
Look-Alikes
No documented look-alikes on record.
Safety disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Never eat a wild mushroom based solely on online information. Always verify identification using multiple reliable field guides and, when possible, consult an experienced forager or mycologist. When in doubt, don't eat it. Spore & Scout accepts no responsibility for identification errors or adverse reactions. If you believe someone has ingested a toxic mushroom, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.