Death cap mushrooms are known to sprout across the state of California but they thrive in shady, humid or moist environments under live oak and cultivated cork oak trees. Death cap mushrooms bloom particularly well after the fall and winter rains. Why people are mistakenly eating death cap mushroomsThe three most deadly mushrooms in California include the death cap, destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) and deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata), according to the Bay Area Mycological Society. AdvertisementThe death cap mushroom has a dome-shape smooth cap with olive or yellowish-green tones. No amount of death cap is safe to consume.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 17, 2026 00:31 UTC