Amanita jacksonii

Amanita jacksonii Pomerleau
Image Courtesy of Henry H. Mashburn
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Group of Fungi: Agarics

Family: Amanitaceae

Latin Name: Amanita jacksonii Pomerl.

Synonym(s): Amanita umbonata Pomerl.

Common Name: American Caesar’s Mushroom

Description: Total height 3–8 in (7.5–20 cm); cap 2–6 in (5–15 cm) wide, bright red to orange-red but becoming yellow at the margin, smooth upper surface, sometimes with a few warts present, margin striate; gills closely spaced, pale yellow; stalk 2 1/2–7 1/2 in (6.5–19 cm) long, 1/8–3/4 in (0.3–2 cm) in diameter, tapering upwards, yellow with orange-yellow scale-like patches present; annulus present near top of stalk, yellowish-orange; volva present at base of stalk, sac-like, white; spores white in mass.

Biological Role: Forms mycorrhizal associations with forest trees.

Habitat: On the ground in mixed oak or pine forests; usually solitary but sometimes occurring in scattered groups.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed throughout eastern North America.

Comments: This fungus was once considered to be the same as the European Amanita caesarea and is still listed under the latter name in many guidebooks. Amanita jacksonii is a truly beautiful mushroom. Unlike many other members of the genus Amanita, Amanita jacksonii is not poisonous. However, since some similar-looking species are deadly poisonous, it is not recommended for human consumption.



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