Amanita verna (Fool's mushroom) — Poisonous Mushroom

Korean name: 흰알광대버섯

A pure white, deadly mushroom that appears in spring. It closely resembles the destroying angel and contains the same lethal amatoxins.

Key facts

• Category: Poisonous mushroom
• Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
• Native to: Korea, Japan, Europe
• Traits: Deadly, White, Spring fruiting, Amanita, Amatoxin
• Also known as: Fool's mushroom

Toxicity, identification & first aid

• Toxic symptoms: Contains amatoxins, like the destroying angel. Symptoms are delayed (6–24 hours), followed by liver failure 48–72 hours after eating.
• Appearance: Entirely white, cap 5–10 cm. Has a volva (sac at the base) and a ring. Smaller than the destroying angel.
• Where found: Broadleaf forests, fruiting from spring to early summer.
• Season: Spring to early summer (April–June)
• Look-alike warning: Button mushrooms (no volva) and white edible Amanitas.
• Emergency action: Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Never pick white mushrooms in spring.

Common questions

Can you eat Amanita verna?

No. Amanita verna is poisonous. Contains amatoxins, like the destroying angel. Symptoms are delayed (6–24 hours), followed by liver failure 48–72 hours after eating.

What does Amanita verna look like and where does it grow?

Entirely white, cap 5–10 cm. Has a volva (sac at the base) and a ring. Smaller than the destroying angel. Broadleaf forests, fruiting from spring to early summer. Spring to early summer (April–June)

What can Amanita verna be mistaken for?

Button mushrooms (no volva) and white edible Amanitas.

What should you do if someone eats Amanita verna?

Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Never pick white mushrooms in spring.