⚠ If you suspect ingestion of this species, call Poison Control immediately:
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org

Sarcosphaera coronaria

Sarcosphaera coronaria

⚠ Severely Toxic

Seek emergency medical care immediately

Cap color: White exterior, lilac-violet interior
Cap size: 5–15 cm diameter
Gill color: N/A (cup interior)
Gill attachment: N/A
Stem: N/A, cup-shaped
Texture: Brittle, white, cup-shaped fruiting body
Habitat: Buried or partly buried in calcareous mountain soils under conifers
Peak season: Spring

Key Identification Features

Starts as white underground sphere cracking open to form star-shaped cup
inner surface violet to lilac
outer surface white
grows buried or partly buried in calcareous soils

Symptoms & Toxicity

Contains gyromitrins (monomethylhydrazine after metabolic conversion) causing severe hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, liver failure; DEADLY TOXIC; resembles edible puffball when still closed; do not eat; call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

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.