⚠️ Toxicity Warning
This species is recorded as poisonous. Do not consume. Amanita citrina can be confused with edible species, but it is toxic. Foragers should exercise extreme caution and consult multiple sources before consumption.
Description
Amanita citrina is a medium-sized mushroom characterized by its yellowish to pale cap, which can be slightly sticky when wet. The gills are free and white, and the stem is tall with a bulbous base, often featuring a ring.
Key Identification Features
Field marks recorded for this species. Work through all of them, not just one:
- Cap: Yellowish to pale, 5-10 cm in diameter, slightly sticky
- Gills: Free, white, closely spaced
- Stem: Tall, 8-15 cm, bulbous base, with a ring
- Spores: White, smooth
- Volva: Remnants may be present at the base
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Typically found in coniferous and deciduous forests, often associated with various tree species.
Region: Widely distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Seasonality
Fruits from late summer to early autumn.
Typical months: Aug-Oct
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Amanita muscaria (poisonous) - Distinctive red cap with white spots
- Amanita phalloides (deadly) - Greenish cap and more pronounced bulbous base
- Amanita vaginata (edible) - More slender and lacks a ring
Related Species
Browse all species in the Mushroom Database →
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Pin the sighting and compare this species against its lookalikes in the offline database — confusion runs both ways, and knowing where toxic species fruit makes every future ID safer. For the full picture of North America's most dangerous species, see the full poisonous mushroom guide.
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