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Western grisette

Amanita pachycolea

A species of Amanita mushrooms

The western grisette (Amanita pachycolea) has a stem that stretches out from the ground and creates pillar-like support for a comically large, slightly iridescent cap. They flourish in the decaying leaf litter of the forest floor. It can easily be confused with deadlier Amanita species, so it is better not to touch.

Cap Diameter:

7 - 20 cm

Odor:

Mild, non-distinct mushroom smell.

General Info About Western grisette

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Attributes of Western grisette

Cap Diameter

7 - 20 cm

Height

10 - 30 cm

Cap

Cap 7 - 18 cm; convex, flat; dark brown

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Free; whitish to grayish; close; at maturity usually featuring brownish edges

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 10 - 25 cm long, up to 3 cm thick; equal or tapering to apex, without a basal bulb; whitish, grayish, brownish

Stem Shapes

With Cup

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

White; not discoloring on exposure

Volva

Sack-like, prominent; white; may discolor rusty or brownish with age

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mild, non-distinct mushroom smell.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Western grisette by these plants:

Pines, Oaks, Spruces, Firs, Willows, Populus

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Endangered Species

How to Identify Western grisette

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Western grisette

The habitat of the western grisette is restricted to mixed forests of western North America and the Pacific Northwest. This fungus exists in a symbiotic relationship with a host tree’s roots, always a pine or other conifer, exchanging essential nutrients. Fruitbodies will appear in the duff beneath the host tree.

Hunting Values of Western grisette

Dangerous, as there are toxic species which are difficult to distinguish from it.

Uses of Western grisette

Western grisette is recognized as an edible mushroom but comes with significant risks. It should only be consumed when properly identified and prepared by knowledgeable individuals, due to potential confusion with toxic species. Its popularity and collection value are limited by these dangers. Western grisette is not widely used in culinary or medicinal practices, and caution is advised when dealing with this mushroom.

Scientific Classification of Western grisette

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Similar Species to Western grisette

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Grey veiled Amanita

Similar Species

Western grisette

How to Differentiate Between Grey veiled Amanita and Western grisette?

Western grisette: Cap margins are often lined or grooved.

Grey veiled Amanita: Cap margins are generally smooth.

Western grisette: Stem base typically has a sack-like volva.

Grey veiled Amanita: Stem base features a more abrupt, bulbous volva.

Snakeskin grisette

Similar Species

Western grisette

How to Differentiate Between Snakeskin grisette and Western grisette?

Western grisette: Features a sack-like volva at the stem base.

Snakeskin grisette: Lacks a distinct volva, instead has a series of concentric rings.

Western grisette: Typically has no veil remnants on the cap.

Snakeskin grisette: Often shows veil remnants in the form of grey warts on the cap.

Cleft-footed amanita

Similar Species

Western grisette

How to Differentiate Between Cleft-footed amanita and Western grisette?

Western grisette: Features a sack-like volva at the stem base.

Cleft-footed amanita: Has a large, distinct, marginate bulb stem.

Tips for Finding Western grisette

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When is the Best Time to Find Western grisette

Search for western grisette during late summer to fall after periods of rainfall. Mild to warm days that follow wet conditions are typically the most fruitful times for these mushrooms.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Western grisette

Preferably moist, well-drained soil with organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Western grisette

Search around pine and fir trees, as western grisette has a symbiotic relationship with these conifers.
Look for western grisette in mixed woodland areas where the ground is covered with fallen needles and cones.
Investigate areas with a substantial layer of decomposed organic material on the soil; western grisette may be nearby.
Scan for western grisette in spots that are well-shaded by the woodland canopy overhead but still receive filtered sunlight.
Gently sweep aside leaf litter and debris on the forest floor as western grisette can be partially hidden.

How to Clean and Preserve Western grisette

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How to Clean Western grisette

To clean western grisette, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. For more persistent dirt, lightly rinse under running water without soaking. Pat dry immediately to prevent water absorption and maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Western grisette

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark, and dry place with air-tight containers to prevent moisture re-entry.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures a consistent drying temperature, facilitating uniform water removal.

Oven drying: Allows for low-temperature control, effective for larger quantities.

Air drying: Utilizes natural airflow and warmth, suitable for areas with low humidity.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Western grisette

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief submersion in boiling water, then rapid cooling, and drain before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Western grisette

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows for air circulation which helps prevent condensation, maintaining texture for less robust mushrooms.

Cardboard Box Storage: Cardboard absorbs excess moisture which helps to keep mushrooms dry and prolong shelf life.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Provides ventilation while maintaining high humidity, which is essential for preserving moisture without waterlogging.

Cloth Wrapping: Encloses mushrooms in a breathable fabric, minimizing moisture accumulation and deterring mold growth.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is western grisette dangerous?

Where does western grisette found?

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