The names and telephone numbers of the Poison Control Centers in the New England area are included for the convenience of your physician. ([See page 21].)
Cover picture: European bittersweet
Solanum dulcamara
[(see page 3)]
AMANITA MUSHROOM
Amanita, fly agaric
Amanita muscaria—AGARICACEAE
Description: One of the most poisonous of the mushrooms (toadstools). Found mostly in woody areas, along roadsides, and waste places, especially at the base of pine and similar trees. Unlike many edible mushrooms, this poisonous amanita has a fleshy bulb-like base and yellow stalk (stipe) with scaly growths and a cap or top (pileus). Often a white ring (annulus) of soft ragged tissue may be observed on the stalk under its cap. All amanita mushrooms should, in general, be considered poisonous. The top, which may be 3 to 6 inches wide, varies in color from bright orange to red with white to gray warty growths on it. Under the cap are numerous very white gills which distinguish this mushroom from most edible types. The latter usually have pink to purple gills. These mushrooms form in groups, or are scattered.
Other poisonous mushrooms found in New England are the Death Cup, Amanita phalloides; jack-o’-lantern, Clitocybe illudens; Shaggy mane, Coprinus comatus; and the Boletus and Russula species. There are many others. Perhaps the best precaution is to avoid eating any mushroom not certified by an expert to be edible.
Poisonous Parts: All portions are poisonous. The chief toxic principle is an alkaloid, muscarine. Amanita poisoning is characterized by intense sweating, salivation, wheezing, irregular breathing and heart beat. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal within an hour depending upon quantities consumed.
Antidote: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for muscarine alkaloid poisoning or excessive muscarinic stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, also dehydration. Atropine and other similar drugs counteract the effects of muscarine.