Species details
Bearded Amanita
Amanita ovoidea
Extra caution required
Photo: Rocco Stasi · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A very large white Amanita with a fleshy cap, stout stem and thick sack-like volva.
Identification features
The cap margin is often shaggy and the ring soft and fleeting; deadly white Amanitas are dangerous lookalikes.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A very large white Amanita with a fleshy cap, stout stem and thick sack-like volva. The cap margin is often shaggy and the ring soft and fleeting; deadly white Amanitas are dangerous lookalikes. Typical habitat: Warm calcareous sites in deciduous woodland and Mediterranean scrub.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Amanita strobiliformis, Amanita verna, Amanita virosa. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.
Habitat
Warm calcareous sites in deciduous woodland and Mediterranean scrub.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October, November