Destroying Angel
Distribution
Eastern North America (widespread throughout the eastern United States and southeastern Canada) and Mexico. Found throughout North Carolina and across the eastern deciduous forest region.
Habitat
Ectomycorrhizal in mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. Grows in association with hardwood trees (oak, beech, birch) and sometimes conifers. Prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade conditions on the forest floor.
Season
Summer and fall (typically June through October in eastern North America).
Toxin Type
Amatoxins
Symptoms
Follows the classic amatoxin poisoning timeline. Initial reactions involve severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea (often 6-24 hours after ingestion). After a deceptive latent phase where symptoms appear to improve, the victim develops gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, and kidney failure. Progressive liver destruction leads to jaundice, delirium, convulsions, and death without aggressive treatment including potential liver transplantation.