Amanita gemmata

The gemmed amanitais a poisonous mushroom in the fungus family (Amanitaceae) native to Asia and Europe. They are found in the USA as a species cluster, not the actual species. Those found in North America are generally considered to need more study to determine if they are the same as the European species. They are found growing in forests or other natural areas or in the landscape growing singly or in small groups in mixed hardwood-conifer forests, or in pure pine stands.

This mushroom grows 1 to 5 inches tall and prefers shady sites in sandy soils. They form a mycorrhiza relationship with the roots of the host plant for nutrients.Their seasons begin in late spring or early summer and ends in the fall.

The cap is dull yellow to pinkish-yellow, covered with small to medium white scales or warts. The cap can be flat or have a slight depression at the center where the coloring is somewhat darker. The gills are white, close, and slightly attached to the stalk.The stalk is white with a bulbous base with a distinct collar. Gradually tapers, stuffed then hollow with cracked scaly belts.The annulus is white, fragile, often disappearing with age, and located near the top of the stalk. The spore print is white.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems