Species library · Mushrooms

Western Destroying Angel: deadly poisonous

Amanita ocreata

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Western Destroying Angel is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. Have every wild mushroom checked by a qualified mushroom expert before eating it.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from October to December in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Western Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata)

Photo: (c) Thomas Laxton, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Thomas Laxton · iNaturalist

When Western Destroying Angel appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Western Destroying Angel is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

Look up Western Destroying Angel in the app

In the Forage app, Western Destroying Angel has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Western Destroying Angel: common questions

Is Western Destroying Angel poisonous?

Yes. Western Destroying Angel is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Western Destroying Angel appear?

Western Destroying Angel usually appears from October to December in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Western Destroying Angel grow?

Western Destroying Angel is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits