Sarah Brown
The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is a deadly poisonous fungus that is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human. This toxic fungus has been found in Oregon and has resulted in poisonings, especially among Southeast Asian immigrants. This is because the death cap mushroom closely resembles the edible paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), commonly consumed in East and Southeast Asian countries. Given the serious threat posed by death cap mushrooms, it is crucial for foragers and enthusiasts to be able to identify them accurately and distinguish them from similar-looking edible mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Death Cap |
| Scientific name | Amanita phalloides |
| Origin | Europe |
| Toxicity | Deadly |
| Poisoning treatment | Liver transplantation, high-dose continuous intravenous penicillin G, intravenous silibinin |
| Poisoning cases in Oregon | Involving Southeast Asian immigrants |
| Cap colour | White, olive green, pale green, yellow, brown |
| Cap diameter | 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) |
| Cap texture | Smooth, sticky or slippery, sometimes dry |
| Gills | White, crowded together |
| Stalk size | 5–18 cm (2.0–7.1 in) tall, 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) thick |
| Odor | Ammonia-like |
| Found near | Bases of oak, pine, or spruce trees |
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What You'll Learn
Death caps are deadly poisonous mushrooms
The death cap mushroom is native to Europe but has become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including the Mediterranean, Africa, Australia, West Asia, and the United States. In the US, death caps have been reported in states such as New Jersey, California, Oregon, and southern states. The mushrooms typically grow around the bases of oak, pine, and spruce trees. They are often mistaken for edible mushrooms, such as the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), due to their similar appearance. This has led to several poisoning cases, especially among Southeast Asian immigrants in the US, as the paddy straw mushroom is commonly consumed in their native countries.
Death caps can be identified by their greenish to yellowish pigments, sticky or slippery texture, and wide, flat caps up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The gills underneath the cap are white and crowded together. The stalks are usually 2-7 inches (5-18 cm) tall and 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) thick. They often have a distinct ammonia-like odour.
There is currently no definitive antidote for death cap poisoning, but early treatment options include liver transplantation and high doses of penicillin, which stimulate the liver's defences. Intravenous silibinin, an extract from the blessed milk thistle, has also shown promise in reducing the effects of poisoning by preventing the uptake of amatoxins by liver cells.
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They cause the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide
The death cap mushroom, or Amanita phalloides, is a deadly poisonous fungus that is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. It is estimated that just half a mushroom, or 30 grams, contains enough toxin to kill an adult human. The principal toxic constituent is α-Amanitin, which causes liver and kidney failure. There is no definitive antidote, but treatments such as high-dose intravenous penicillin G and intravenous silibinin have been shown to improve survivability.
Death caps originated in Europe but have since been introduced to other parts of the world, including parts of the United States such as Oregon. They are often found near the bases of oak, pine, or chestnut trees. The mushrooms have wide, flat, greenish to yellowish caps that can be sticky or slippery, with white gills underneath. The gills are very finely attached to the upper stalk, which is typically 5–18 cm tall and 1–2.5 cm thick.
The death cap closely resembles several edible mushroom species, including the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) and Caesar's mushroom (Amanita caesarea). This similarity has led to numerous incidents of accidental poisoning, especially among immigrants from Southeast Asian countries where the paddy straw mushroom is commonly consumed. In Oregon, most reported death cap poisonings have involved Southeast Asian immigrants, with one incident resulting in four members of a Korean family requiring liver transplants.
The death cap's toxicity is not reduced by cooking, freezing, or drying, and it is important for foragers to know how to identify this deadly fungus. The large fruiting bodies appear in summer and autumn, and the caps can vary in colour from white to olive green, pale green, or yellow, making it crucial to look for other identifying features such as size and odour.
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Death caps are often mistaken for edible mushrooms
Death caps, or Amanita phalloides, are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world and are responsible for most mushroom-related deaths. They are often mistaken for edible mushrooms, which can be extremely dangerous.
Death caps are often confused with Caesar's mushroom, the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), and the field mushroom (Agaricus campestris). They may also be mistaken for puffballs when young. These toxic mushrooms resemble several edible species commonly consumed by humans, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning. For example, in Oregon, four members of a Korean family required liver transplants after consuming death caps. Many North American incidents of death cap poisoning have occurred among Laotian and Hmong immigrants, as it is easily confused with A. princeps ("white Caesar"), a popular mushroom in their native countries.
The danger of death caps lies in their toxins, which primarily target the liver but can also affect other organs such as the kidneys. As little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human. The mortality rate of ingestion is estimated to be around 10-30%, and there is currently no definitive antidote. Poisoning incidents usually result from errors in identification, which can have deadly consequences.
To avoid mistaking death caps for edible mushrooms, it is crucial to learn about the key distinguishing features. Death caps have large fruiting bodies that appear in summer and autumn. While the cap colour can vary, including white forms, the caps are generally greenish with a white stipe and gills. In contrast, Caesar's mushroom has a brown cap with whitish flecks, and the paddy straw mushroom has a brownish-grey cap and a distinct ring on the stem.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is essential to prioritize accuracy in identification. Even experienced mushroom hunters can mistake death caps for edible varieties due to their similar appearance. Always be cautious and seek reliable information sources to minimize the risk of accidental poisoning.
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They are found around the bases of oak or pine trees
The death cap mushroom, or Amanita phalloides, is a deadly poisonous fungus that is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. It is native to Europe but has become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including some areas in the United States.
In the United States, death cap mushrooms are found in several states, including Oregon. They have been reported in southern Oregon and are typically found around the bases of oak or pine trees. These mushrooms are known to be toxic to humans and can cause serious health issues, including liver and kidney failure.
Death caps are often mistaken for edible mushrooms, such as the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) and Caesar's mushroom (Amanita princeps). This has led to several poisoning incidents, especially among Southeast Asian immigrants in Oregon and other parts of the West Coast. It is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them to avoid accidental poisoning.
To identify death cap mushrooms, look for sticky, yellow or green-tinted caps that can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The gills underneath the cap are white and crowded together. The stalks are usually 2 to 7 inches (5 to 18 cm) tall and 0.4 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) thick. They often have a distinct ammonia-like odor. Knowing these characteristics can help distinguish death caps from other similar-looking mushrooms.
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Treatment includes liver transplantation and high-dose penicillin
The death cap mushroom, or Amanita phalloides, is a deadly poisonous fungus that resembles several edible mushrooms commonly consumed by humans. It is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide, causing liver and kidney failure. Amatoxins, the toxins found in death cap mushrooms, cannot be destroyed by any means of food processing and are not affected by heat or acids.
Treatment for death cap mushroom poisoning varies depending on how long it has been since the mushroom was ingested. It is critical to receive treatment early to prevent liver and kidney damage. Treatment in the early stages of poisoning focuses on stabilising the patient and trying to counteract the effect of the toxin. These treatments may include gastric decontamination with either activated carbon or gastric lavage. If the patient is at an advanced stage of poisoning, extreme measures like a liver transplant may be necessary.
Liver transplantation is a well-established option in amatoxin poisoning, but it can be complicated, and patients may experience significant complications and mortality. In addition, patients require long-term immunosuppression to maintain the transplant. The criteria for determining when a transplant is necessary for survival have been reassessed, taking into account factors such as the onset of symptoms, prothrombin time, serum bilirubin levels, and the presence of encephalopathy.
High-dose continuous intravenous penicillin G has been reported to be beneficial in treating amatoxin poisoning, although the exact mechanism is unknown. Penicillin G blocks the uptake of amatoxins by hepatocytes and binds to circulating amatoxins. However, the role of penicillin G in treating amatoxin poisoning is controversial. Other treatments that may be administered include N-acetylcysteine, silibinin, multiple-dose activated charcoal, and enhanced elimination methods.
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Frequently asked questions
The death cap mushroom, or Amanita phalloides, is a deadly, poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom, originating in Europe. It is one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world and is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide.
Yes, death cap mushrooms have been found in southern Oregon, including in the southern part of the state and in Portland. They are also found in other parts of the US, including New Jersey, New York, California, and the San Francisco Bay area.
Death cap mushrooms have wide, flat, sticky, yellow or green-tinted caps that are up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. They have white gills underneath and a distinct ammonia-like odour. The stalks are usually 5-18 cm (2-7.1 inches) tall and 1-2.5 cm (0.39-0.98 inches) thick. They are often found around the bases of oak, pine, or spruce trees.
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