Destroying Angel — Know This One
This may be the most dangerous mushroom in the forest.
And it doesn't look dangerous at all.
The Destroying Angel is beautiful-pure white, elegant, and easy to mistake for an edible mushroom if you don't know exactly what you're looking at.
That's what makes it so deadly.
Even a small amount can cause severe liver failure, and symptoms often don't appear until many hours later, when it's already too late to simply "wait and see."
Many poisonous mushrooms don't taste bitter.
Some are said to taste perfectly pleasant.
That's one reason experienced mushroom hunters never rely on taste, smell, or "old tricks" to decide whether a mushroom is safe.
There is only one rule that matters:
Be certain-or leave it alone.
Next time you're at the lake...
If you find a mushroom you can't confidently identify...
Take a photo.
Admire it.
Learn about it.
But leave it where it belongs.
The forest has countless wonderful discoveries.
This doesn't have to be one of them.
If anyone in your group has eaten any wild white mushroom and you're not 100% certain of the species, treat it as a medical emergency - call the Ontario Poison Centre (1-800-268-9017) or 911 immediately, do not wait for symptoms.