Amanita citrina var. alba

Common and widespread

Summer and fall

Oak and pine forests.

This is a large, easily recognized mushroom that is mycorrhizal with hardwoods. It is common and widespread.

The stalk is white, smooth, 2½″ to 4¾″ tall, and ⅜″ to ⅝″ wide. It may be slightly cottony toward the base. At the base of the stalk is a cup-like structure (volva). This is a remnant of a protective, egg-like covering (universal veil) that completely envelopes the developing mushroom when young. It may be partially or completely buried in the ground. It adheres tightly to the stem and is not sack-like. Toward the top of the stalk, below the cap and gills, is a membranous ring. This is the remnant of a protective covering (inner veil) of the developing gills. It is white and persistent, remaining on the stalk at maturity of the mushroom.

The cap is smooth, dry, flat to convex, and 2″ to 4¾″ in diameter. It is white when young, and remains white as it ages. It has scattered, irregular, white patches or warts, but these may disappear with age.

The gills are white, closely spaced, and are not attached to the stalk. They sometimes turn yellowish with age.

The spores are white, cream, or yellowish.

It has a mild odor of raw potato.

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) is not found in North America.

Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera and Amanita virosa) is pure white throughout, both when young and when mature. The cup is sack-like. The cap usually does not have patches or warts.

Gray False Death Cap (Amanita citrina var. grisea) is ivory-white, gray, or dark gray. It has a stronger odor.

Lavender False Death Cap (Amanita citrina var. lavendula) has a flush of lavender in the universal veil and sometimes lavender streaks on the cap.

Although edible, most field guides list this as poisonous due to its close resemblance to Death Cap.