This mushroom is one of the most poisonous of all known toadstools and resembles several edible mushrooms, thereby increasing the risk of consumption and accidental poisoning. This mushroom contains α-amanitin which damages the liver and kidneys, often fatally.

Appearance wise initially it appears as a white egg-shaped object covered with a universal veil. The cap is conical with inturned edges initially, but later on becomes hemispherical and flattening with a diameter up to 12 cm (4½ in). It is normally about 10 - 18cm tall, with a cap that is about 5 - 10 cm in diameter, and is usually found in summer and autumn. Just to remind this pure white mushroom is actually quite beautiful, but its beauty is only skin deep; like the Death's Cap, this is a lethal mushroom.