Species · GBIF taxon 8168319
Amanita muscaria
amanita muscariaAlso known as Fly Agaric, Fly Amanita
Fly agarics are iconic woodland fungi instantly recognized by their brilliant scarlet caps dotted with white, cottony warts. They form vital mycorrhizal partnerships with the roots of birch, pine, and spruce trees, exchanging soil nutrients for plant sugars. While famous in folklore and fairy tales, these mushrooms contain potent neurotoxins that cause severe physiological and neurological reactions if consumed.
MycorrhizalToxicForest-dwelling
1 / 7- diet
- Mycorrhizal (exchanges soil nutrients for tree sugars)
- family
- Amanitaceae
- threats
- Habitat loss, climate change affecting host trees, and air pollution
- life Span
- Mycelium lives for decades; individual mushrooms last 1 to 2 weeks
NE
Highly toxic if ingested; many wild mushrooms have toxic look-alikes, so never eat wild fungi.
Contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, which cause severe gastrointestinal distress, confusion, and hallucinations.
Never ingest this mushroom; wash hands thoroughly if you touch it, and keep pets away.- Look under host trees: Search around the bases of birch, pine, and fir trees during autumn.
- Observe the base: Look for the bulbous cup, or volva, at the soil line to aid identification.
- Photograph from below: Capture the white gills and ring on the stem without disturbing the soil.