Blusher - Amanita rubescens

Description

It has the swollen base (or volva), stem ring and flecked cap that are typical of this group. The rosy brown cap is largely covered by the pale mosaic of veil fragments when young, but as it grows the reddish patches become more obvious. The flesh also bruises pink when exposed to air. Can be eaten if treated correctly but best avoided as some similar species are deadly poisonous.

Similar Species

The Grey-spotted Amanita, A. excelsa var. spissa, is similar but without any pink tinges and with grey rather than brown scales on the cap.

Identification difficulty
ID guidance
  • volva at base of stem
  • stem ring
  • scaly brown cap
  • exposed flesh turns pink
Habitat

It is found in both deciduous and coniferous woodland.

When to see it

June to October

UK Status

Widespread and common in Britain

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Agaricales
Family:
Amanitaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
46
First record:
02/10/2005 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
27/10/2023 (Graves, Hazel)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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