Sunday, June 6, 2010

A Very Impressive Amanita

The woods are beginning to show some potential. Rain and early June make for good mushrooming, and the proof is in the pictures.

This magnificent Amanita jacksonii, the Eastern Caesar's Mushroom, is among the largest Amanitas I ever found. Listed as edible but not choice, the taste is said to be somewhat fishy. Others say specimens found further north (Maine) have excellent flavor. I may try a little to satisfy my curiosity, and be able to say I've eaten more than one species of Amanita (A. rubescens).
Amanita jacksonii, Eastern American Caesar's Mushroom



































To give an idea of size and stature, the knife case at the base of the mushroom is 3.75" long.
Amanita jacksonii, Eastern American Caesar's Mushroom


























Here's my hand for a size comparison. You can also see the large, white sack-like volva at the base of the mushroom. The specimen was solitary, with oak being the predominate tree in the vicinity.
Amanita jacksonii, Eastern American Caesar's Mushroom