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Publication Date

Summer 2021

Abstract

This species grows in mycorrhizal relation with various hardwoods and conifers, especially oaks. These specimens were found growing under hemlock, Tsuga canadensis. Distributed throughout the northeast United States. Found growing between early summer through fall, our specimens were collected in late July. Tall and lanky stems between 5-15 cm tall and 1-2 cm wide. Caps are convex, flattening with age and slightly sticky. Caps are white to cream colored with flushes of pink or red with age. Warts on cap vary from whitish-yellow to greyish-brown with a rough texture. This species has white free gills that discolor red with age and are close or crowded. A distinctive feature of this species is its volva, partial veil, and universal veil. It’s volva is white with grey discoloration at the base of the stem. The partial veil, or ring, resides at the top of the stem just below the cap and is thin and flaky. Reminets of its universal veil can be seen by the warts atop the cap. Taxonomy in this genus is difficult and problematic, especially with white Amanitas such as Amanita rubescens, because multiple species are morphologically similar and hard to distinguish (B.D. 2018). The European version of Amanita rubescens var. alba, Amanita rubescens f. alba, was found for the first time in Greece in 2004 and is considered rare, while the North American version found in this study is common (Delivorias 2011). Molecular research is necessary in order to understand whether or not these sub-species are morphologically indistinguishable, or just similar. While it is not possible to be fully confident in our identification of this fungus at the subspecies level without microscopy, our taxonomic understanding of this group remains at a higher resolution than most specimens observed. ID number: 02.01.05.2021

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Location: East Brook Valley, Walton, NY - (EF - Ericaceae Forest)

Amanita rubescens var. alba
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