Amanita muscaria

Fly amanita is a poisonous mushroom in the fungus family (Amanitaceae) native throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are typically found in deciduous or pine forests, other natural areas or landscapes either singly, scattered, in dense groups or even in "fairy rings".  It is a variable species with several color varieties recognized (red, salmon-red, orange, or yellow). The cherry-red form is not frequently found in North Carolina.  The common names comes from them traditionally used as an insecticide. They were crushed and placed in a sauce of milk to attract flies.

Its fruiting bodies may reach nearly 12 inches in diameter and 6-8 inches high in shady woodland locations. They form symbiotic relationships with many trees, including pine, oak, spruce, fir, birch, and cedar.

The cap emerges from the ground looking like an egg covered with pointed white or yellow warts or "scales".   As the fungus grows, the red color appears, the warts become less prominent and the shape becomes less round and finally flat.  Its margin is striate and the close white gills are not attached to the stalk.  The stalk is white to off-white with a somewhat bulbous base.  The thin annulus is white or with some yellow patches.  The stalk below the annulus has scales, often in concentric rings.  The spore print is white.

This is a poisonous mushroom but rarely causes death if treated. One of the compounds causes a hallucinogenic experience that some people may try to use.

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