Species library · Mushrooms

Destroying Angel: deadly poisonous

Amanita virosa

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

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 January to December in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa)

Photo: en:User:Ben DeRoy · Public domain

When Destroying Angel appears

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

Where it grows

Destroying Angel is usually found in Woodland.

Look up Destroying Angel in the app

In the Forage app, 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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Destroying Angel: common questions

Is Destroying Angel poisonous?

Yes. 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 Destroying Angel appear?

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

Where does Destroying Angel grow?

Destroying Angel is usually found in Woodland.

What can Destroying Angel be confused with?

Deadly look-alikes: Death cap, Eastern destroying angel, Western destroying angel. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by a qualified mushroom expert.

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