Death Cap

Death Cap

The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) is one of numerous poisonous species of mushrooms in the genus Amanita. This is a large and distinctive fungal fruiting body or basidiocarp, usually with a pileus (cap) from 5 to 15 cm across, smooth yellow to brown with a green tinge and a partial veil, white fine lamellae (gills), and a white 4 to 18 cm stipe (stalk) with an annulus and a swollen volva (base). It is found primarily in Europe but also in North America, typically under oaks and other hardwoods, usually in autumn to early winter. The fungus is mycorrhizal and beneficial to plants.

As the common name suggests it is highly poisonous, responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. It contains two types of toxins spread throughout the mushroom thallus: phallotoxins (phalloidin, phalloin, phallisin, phallicidin) and amanitins (amatin, amanin, amanullin). The toxin most responsible for the deadly effects of the Death Cap is alpha-amantin. The poison particularly affects the liver and kidneys; frequently the only treatment for Death Cap poisoning is liver transplant.

Asian immigrants in North America and Europe often mistake the Death Cap for the edible Paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) due to their similarity in appearance. This is a leading cause of mushroom poisoning in the United States.