How to Hunt for Amanita Mushrooms

The amanita (Amanita muscaria) mushroom is a large toadstool mushroom with psychoactive properties. This species has been used in religious ceremonies throughout Siberia and by tribal Indian cultures. Knowing what to look for and where can lead to the discovery of these fungi. Read on to learn how to hunt for amanita mushrooms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Basket
• Gloves

1. Notice that the typical amanita mushroom exhibits a red and white spotted cap. These caps can be 3 to 8 inches across, and the stem equally as tall.
2. See that the formosa variety has a yellow to orange cap with small tan bumps. This variety is usually found in European countries.
3. Find the guessowii mushroom variety of the amanita similar to the formosa. This mushroom has a yellow to deep orange cap that sometimes has a reddish center. It is commonly found throughout eastern North America.
4. Discover that the persicina mushroom sports a pinkish to orange appearance with no visible bumps, warts or spots on its cap.
5. Understand that the regalis variety of the amanita mushroom is dark tan to brown. The cap will exhibit yellow warts along its cap.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of these fungi can be found among fir and pine trees. Some of their color may fade after a good rainfall so identification may be difficult.
• Although deaths from ingesting amanita mushrooms are rare, using them for any purpose other than decoration should be avoided.
• These mushrooms contain phallotoxins as well as virotoxins. When ingested these substances can cause hallucinations, amnesia and comas. Take extreme care when working with amanita mushrooms.
• Properly identify every mushroom picked to better understand what species and variety has been harvested. Consult with a local mushroom expert or take the specimens to the local university for identification before ingesting.

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