Gemmed Amanita Amanita gemmata

This species is similar to Amanita muscaria, A. pantherina, and A. cothurnata, and, apparently, interbreeds with them. These species do occur in North Carolina but apparently not as commonly as A. gemmata and A. muscaria.

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.

They are typically found growing in forests or other natural areas, or in the landscape.  It can be found growing singly or in small groups in mixed hardwood-conifer forests, or in pure pine stands. Their seasons begin in late spring or early summer and ends in the fall.