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False death cap

Amanita citrina

A species of Amanita mushrooms

A close cousin to the more deadly Amanitas such as Destroying Angel and Deathcap, the false death cap is an inedible mushroom that regularly grows on forest floors across the northern hemisphere. It consumes both hardwood and soft, and fruits from late summer to autumn.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 10 cm

Odor:

Raw potato-like in youth, often faint in age.

General Info About False death cap

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Attributes of False death cap

Cap Diameter

5 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 2.5 - 8 cm across; convex to flat; lemon-yellow, brown; surface smooth, with patches of veil

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Warted

Gills

Free; close, crowded; white

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 4 - 9 cm long, 5 - 10 mm thick; white to yellowish

Stem Shapes

Bulbous

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

White; unchanging

Volva

At the stem base; whitish

Ring

On the stem; skirtlike; white, pale yellow

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Raw potato-like in youth, often faint in age.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

White

Purple

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find False death cap by these plants:

Pitch pine, Oaks, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland, Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify False death cap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of False death cap

The false death cap is a woodland mushroom. It prefers neutral or alkaline soil and it's usually found among the leaf litter under its host tree. It feeds in a symbiotic relationship with the tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides it sugars and amino acids.

Distribution Area of False death cap

Europe,North Africa,northern Asia

Scientific Classification of False death cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Toxicity and Edibility of False death cap

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Is False death cap Toxic?

False death cap is a neurotoxic mushroom typically found during damp conditions in deciduous and coniferous habitats. It mainly appears in late summer to fall. It's characterized by its pale yellow to white color and bulbous base. Consumption may result in physiological changes, including elevated mood and anxiety, and in severe cases, altered perceptions and potential psychosis. However, it's crucial not to consume false death cap due to its toxic properties.

Toxins type

Bufotenin

Type of poisoning

Neurotoxic

Toxic Severity

Low to high toxicity

Incubation Period

0.5-4 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms may include rapid heart rate, narrowed blood vessels, and altered perceptions, possibly accompanied by an increased risk of blood clots. Individuals may experience confusion, elevated mood, anxiety, and in severe cases, psychotic episodes.

Similar Species to False death cap

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Tips for Finding False death cap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for False death cap

Neutral to alkaline, non-acidic.

What are Some Tips for Finding False death cap

Look for mixed woodlands with a variety of tree species.
Search near beech trees as false death cap has an affinity for them.
Focus on areas with neutral to alkaline soil; avoid strongly acidic soils.
Inspect the base of trees and nearby ground as false death cap grows on the soil.
Note the presence of other woodland flora indicative of suitable soil pH for false death cap.