John Miller
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are considered some of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. They are extremely toxic and can cause serious illness and even death if ingested. With liver transplants often being necessary to save the lives of those who have ingested them, it is important to be able to identify them. While they are native to Europe, they have become invasive in many parts of the world, including the US. But are there death cap mushrooms in Alberta?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amanita phalloides |
| Colour | Off-white, pale or yellowish with a possible green or yellow tint |
| Cap Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide |
| Smell | Honey-sweet, ammonia-like |
| Stalk Size | 5-18 cm (2.0-7.1 in) tall and 1-2.5 cm (0.39-0.98 in) thick |
| Toxins | Amatoxins, Phallotoxins |
| Symptoms | Gastrointestinal distress (nausea/vomiting), liver and kidney damage, liver failure |
| Treatment | Liver transplants, early treatment in the hospital is essential |
| Occurrence | Found in British Columbia, primarily in urban and suburban areas near broad-leaved trees |
| Similarities | May be mistaken for edible mushrooms like puffballs and paddy-straw mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Death cap mushrooms are among the most poisonous in the world
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are among the most poisonous in the world. Responsible for approximately 90% of the world's mushroom-related fatalities, death caps contain several toxins, including amatoxins and phallotoxins. Amatoxins prevent protein synthesis and cause liver failure, and the toxins are heat-stable, remaining deadly whether raw or cooked. Ingestion of even one mushroom can be fatal to an adult. Illness after consuming death cap mushrooms is very serious: up to 30% of people who eat them will die.
Death caps are often pale and yellowish, with a large cap and skirting underneath. They may also have a distinct greenish hue, streaking, and a pale whitish to pale yellowish colour near the centre. The caps are sticky and can be tinted yellow or green, with white gills underneath. They typically grow to up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The stalks are usually 5–18 cm (2.0–7.1 in) tall and 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) thick. They often have a faint, honey-sweet smell, with a distinct ammonia-like odour.
Death cap mushrooms can be easily confused with edible mushrooms such as puffballs, paddy-straw mushrooms, and button mushrooms. They typically grow near broad-leaved trees in urban and suburban areas, especially in the late fall, and are often found around the bases of oak or pine trees. They are not native to Canada but were introduced via the roots of imported European trees. They have been found primarily in British Columbia and Greater Victoria, with sightings reported in the New York area as well.
It is essential to be able to identify death cap mushrooms if you are foraging for wild mushrooms. Early treatment in the hospital is crucial if you suspect you have ingested a death cap mushroom. Liver transplants are often necessary to save lives in such cases.
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They are often mistaken for edible mushrooms
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are considered some of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world and are often mistaken for edible mushrooms. They are extremely toxic and can cause severe illness and even death if ingested. It is important for foragers to be able to correctly identify them, especially as they may resemble certain edible mushrooms like puffballs, paddy straw mushrooms, and button mushrooms.
Death caps typically have off-white, sticky caps with a green or yellow tint, and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. They have crowded, white gills underneath and their stalks are usually 5–18 cm (2.0–7.1 in) tall and 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) thick. They often have a faint, honey-sweet smell and can be found around the bases of oak or pine trees.
Paddy straw mushrooms, on the other hand, have a similar appearance but lack the distinct green or yellow tint on the cap. Puffballs are another type of edible mushroom that can be mistaken for death caps, but they lack the distinct cap and stalk structure and are typically smaller in size.
It is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as the consequences of ingesting death caps can be fatal. Even a single mushroom can be fatal to an adult, and there is currently no antidote for amatoxin poisoning, which is one of the toxins present in death caps. Early treatment in a hospital is essential for anyone who has ingested a death cap mushroom.
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They can be identified by their off-white cap with a green or yellow tint
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are extremely toxic and can cause severe illness and even death if ingested. They contain toxins such as amatoxins and phallotoxins, which prevent protein synthesis and cause liver failure. As a result, they are considered one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world, responsible for approximately 90% of the world's mushroom-related fatalities.
In terms of identification, death cap mushrooms have an off-white cap with a green or yellow tint. The caps can be sticky and are up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide, with crowded white gills underneath. They often have a faint, honey-like smell and can be found around the bases of oak or pine trees.
When identifying mushrooms, it is crucial to exercise caution, especially if you are unsure about the local varieties. It is recommended to buy mushrooms from a retail store that sources them from a commercial supplier.
While death cap mushrooms are not native to Canada, they have been introduced via the roots of imported European trees and can be found primarily in British Columbia, growing near broad-leaved trees in urban and suburban areas. They typically appear in the late fall and have been observed growing with native Garry Oak trees.
It is important to note that death cap mushrooms can be mistaken for edible varieties such as puffballs, paddy-straw mushrooms, and button mushrooms. Therefore, if you are unsure about the identification of a mushroom, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume it.
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They cause liver failure and there is no antidote
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are considered among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world and are responsible for approximately 90% of the world's mushroom-related fatalities. They are extremely toxic and can cause severe illness and even death if ingested. In Canada, death caps were first introduced via the roots of imported European trees and are primarily found in British Columbia, growing near broad-leaved trees in urban and suburban areas. While there has only been one reported death from death cap mushrooms in Canada, it is important to be aware of their potential dangers.
Death cap mushrooms contain several toxins, including amatoxins and phallotoxins. Amatoxins are particularly harmful as they prevent protein synthesis and cause liver failure. The toxins are heat-stable, meaning that the mushrooms remain deadly whether they are raw or cooked, and ingestion of even one mushroom can be fatal to an adult. Within 48 hours to a week of consumption, the liver will start to shut down.
There is currently no antidote for amatoxin poisoning. Even with early detection, dialysis after ingestion does not remove amatoxin from the blood. This makes it crucial to seek early treatment in a hospital if death cap mushrooms are ingested. Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, typically begins about 8 to 12 hours after ingestion. After this initial phase, symptoms may seem to disappear, and people can feel fine for up to 72 hours. However, liver and kidney damage symptoms will start to appear 3 to 6 days after consuming the mushrooms.
To identify a death cap mushroom, look for an off-white cap with a green or yellow tint, which can be sticky. The caps can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide and have crowded, white gills underneath. The stalks are usually 5–18 cm (2.0–7.1 in) tall and 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) thick. Death caps often have a distinct, ammonia-like odor and are found around the bases of oak or pine trees. It is important to note that death cap mushrooms can be mistaken for edible mushroom varieties such as puffballs and paddy straw mushrooms, so proper identification is crucial before consuming any wild mushrooms.
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They are not native to Canada but can be found in British Columbia
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are not native to Canada but can be found in British Columbia. They are considered one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world and are extremely toxic, causing severe illness and even death if ingested. The death cap is often pale and yellowish with a large cap and a faint, honey-sweet smell. It can be easily mistaken for edible mushrooms such as puffballs and paddy-straw mushrooms, which makes it even more dangerous.
In Canada, death cap mushrooms were first introduced via the roots of imported European trees. They are found primarily in British Columbia, growing near broad-leaved trees in urban and suburban areas, usually in the late fall. The University of British Columbia has reported the presence of these deadly fungi in the region. The BC Centre for Disease Control and Poison Control Centre also work to inform cities, municipalities, health authorities, and the public about the risks associated with death cap mushrooms.
The death cap contains several toxins, including amatoxins and phallotoxins. Amatoxins are particularly harmful as they prevent protein synthesis and cause liver failure. Even consuming just one mushroom can be fatal for an adult, leading to liver failure within 48 hours to a week. The toxins are heat-stable, so they remain deadly even when the mushroom is cooked. Unfortunately, there is no antidote for amatoxin poisoning, making it crucial to accurately identify and avoid death cap mushrooms.
To identify a death cap mushroom, look for an off-white cap with a green or yellow tint. The caps can be sticky and are up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide, with crowded white gills underneath. The stalks are typically 5–18 cm (2.0–7.1 inches) tall and 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 inches) thick. Death caps often have a distinct ammonia-like odour and are found around the bases of oak or pine trees. Knowing how to identify them is crucial for foragers and anyone spending time in natural areas where these mushrooms may be present.
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Frequently asked questions
Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are considered among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world and are responsible for approximately 90% of the world's mushroom-related fatalities. They contain several toxins, including amatoxins and phallotoxins, which prevent protein synthesis and cause liver failure.
Death cap mushrooms are not native to Canada and have primarily been found in British Columbia, where they grow near broad-leaved trees in urban and suburban areas. There has only been one reported death from a death cap mushroom in Canada, which occurred in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2015. Therefore, while it is unlikely that death cap mushrooms are present in Alberta, it is important to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms and to only consume mushrooms that have been purchased from a reputable source.
Death cap mushrooms have off-white caps that may have a green or yellow tint and are up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. They also have crowded, white gills underneath and stalks that are usually 5-18 cm (2.0-7.1 inches) tall and 1-2.5 cm (0.39-0.98 inches) thick. They often have a faint, honey-sweet, ammonia-like odor and can be found around the bases of oak or pine trees.
If you accidentally eat a death cap mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment in a hospital is essential. Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, typically begins about 8 to 12 hours after ingestion, followed by a period of seemingly improved symptoms. However, liver and kidney damage can occur 3 to 6 days after consuming the mushrooms, and liver failure can occur within 48 hours to a week. There is currently no antidote for amatoxin poisoning, but liver transplants can be life-saving.
