In this article, Raven writes about a mushroom that would be more painful to eat than being burned at the stake.
The world is a dangerous place. One thing that makes it dangerous is something that also keeps us alive: plants. To be more specific, mushrooms. The Destroying Angel, for example, is a deadly mushroom that grows in Eastern North America.
The Destroying Angel is considered common, appearing completely white with a ring around the stalk. There is a sack at the base of the stem that is about the size of a penny, sometimes found underground. One thing that makes this mushroom interesting is its edibility. The Destroying Angel mushroom is not edible at all. In fact, it is deadly. The North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox talks about the symptoms and effects of eating this plant. They write, “Symptoms occur 6 to 24 hours after eating and include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms may persist 6 to 9 hours, frequently followed by a lag period up to 24 hours. During this symptomless period, toxins are severely affecting the liver, resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, kidney failure, and death, usually within 7 days of eating.”
Many mushrooms have lookalikes, including the Destroying Angel. One lookalike is the Meadow Mushroom, also known as Agaricus Campestris. The Missouri Department of Conservation says that this mushroom is, in fact, edible-- unlike the Destroying Angel. Due to its poisonous nature, it is important to notice the difference between the two.
This mushroom can be found in eastern North America and the maritime provinces in Canada, according to Michael Kuo in The Mushroom Expert. Michael Kuo also writes that it grows during the summer and fall. It is mycorrhizal with oaks and other hardwoods, meaning that they have a symbiotic relationship.
The Destroying Angel is an interesting mushroom and a good one to be educated about. Considering some mushrooms' deadly properties, including the Destroying Angel, it is important to stay safe while foraging.