White False Death Cap

not listed

not listed

not listed

White False Death Cap 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 stalk 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.

Although edible, most field guides list White False Death Cap as poisonous due to its close resemblance to Death Cap. It has a mild odor of raw potato.

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 lavendula) has a flush of lavender in the universal veil and sometimes lavender streaks on the cap.

Oak and pine forests.

Summer and fall

Sources

4, 7, 24, 26, 29, 77.

Common and widespread