Western Destroying Angel

Amanita ocreata

Family: Amanitaceae

Also called: Western Destroying Angel, Angel of Death (PNW)

Western Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata)
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Overview

All-white spring Amanita of California oak woodland. Fatal amatoxin poisoning. The deadliest spring mushroom on the West Coast.

Edibility
Deadly poisonous
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
mycorrhizal
Typical peak
Apr–May

Season

Mar–Jun — typical fruiting months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May.

Host trees & substrate

  • Mycorrhizal with oak

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Western Destroying Angel on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.