Fauna
Fungus

Poison Champagne Amanita

Amanita crenulata

Also known as Champagne Amanita, Crenulate Amanita

Poison Champagne Amanitas emerge in oak and pine forests across eastern North America during summer and autumn. They form symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships with host tree roots, trading soil nutrients for carbohydrates. The pale champagne-tinted cap is adorned with powdery tan warts and features distinctly grooved margins.

FungusMycorrhizalToxic
Poison Champagne Amanita reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMycorrhizal (symbiotic with trees)
Predators
  • Fungus gnats
  • Slugs
  • Squirrels
ThreatsForest clearing and soil pollution
HabitatsDeciduous and mixed forests
Life spanMycelium lives for years; fruiting body lasts 3–7 days
Classification
  1. OrderAgaricales
  2. FamilyAmanitaceae
  3. GenusAmanita
  4. SpeciesAmanita crenulata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic if ingested; many wild mushrooms have dangerous look-alikes, so never eat fungi based on app identification.
Why it is dangerous
Contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, which cause severe gastrointestinal distress, confusion, and muscle spasms when ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a pale champagne-yellow cap with powdery greyish-tan warts, striated cap margins, and a swollen basal bulb.
What to do
Observe and photograph in place without consumption; wash hands after touching to prevent accidental ingestion.
Responsible observation
  • Visual Clues: Look for the finely grooved cap margin and powdery remnants on the basal bulb.
  • Safe Handling: Wash hands thoroughly after touching to prevent accidental oral ingestion of toxic spores or tissue.
  • Habitat Protection: Leave the surrounding leaf litter intact to protect the underground mycelial network.
Related species
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