False death cap

About

Amanita citrina occurs throughout Ukraine in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests from July to November, most often on acidic sandy soils. In the Carpathians, it is rare, but it can be found in beech forests and under spruces.

The cap is 4–10 cm, initially convex, later flat, lemon-yellow, greenish, or almost white, with large whitish or brownish flakes — remnants of the universal veil. The gills are white, turning yellowish with age. The stem is white, with a ring, and at the base, there is a large rounded bulb with a distinct edged margin. The flesh is white and has a pronounced smell of raw potatoes or radishes.

The mushroom is considered inedible. Studies have found traces of toxic compounds in it, particularly bufotenin, and according to some data, small amounts of amatoxins. However, the main danger lies not in the mushroom itself, but in its similarity to the death cap: young mushrooms of both species are almost identical, and a mistake can cost a life.

Amanita citrina is a good opportunity to remember the general rule: any gilled mushroom with white gills, a ring on the stem, and a bulb or volva at the base should not be collected. These are the exact features of the death cap. Do not cut such mushrooms with a knife above the ground, as this will destroy the bulb — the main clue. If the mushroom resembles a field mushroom, check the gills: in field mushrooms, they are pink or brown, not white.

Where in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries

Slovakia · Romania · Ukraine · Austria · Hungary · Poland · Czechia

Mountain ranges

Low Tatras, Buzău Mountains, Gorgany, Poiana Ruscă Mountains

Altitude belts

Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Safety

Do not collect: inedible, and most importantly — easily confused with the death cap. Never take mushrooms with white gills, a ring, and a bulb at the base. In case of suspected poisoning, call 103 (or 112).

Look-alikes — how to tell them apart

Protection and rules

Not protected.

FAQ