Grey Spotted Amanita
Amanita excelsa
Type: Gilled mushroom
Physical Characteristics
Cap: 5-20 cm in diameter, initially hemispherical, becoming convex then flattened. Color varies from grey-brown to dark brown, often covered with whitish to greyish universal veil remnants or patches. Gills: Creamy-white, free, crowded. Stem: 8-20 cm long, 1-3 cm thick, white to greyish, often with a bulbous base, annulus (ring) is high on the stem, white, sometimes grooved. Spore print: White.
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Typically found growing solitarily or scattered in deciduous and coniferous forests, often associated with oak, beech, and spruce trees. It is a mycorrhizal species.
Season & Fruiting Time
Late summer to autumn.
Similar Looking Species
Can be confused with other Amanita species, particularly Amanita spissa and some varieties of Amanita pantherina due to similar coloration and veil remnants on the cap. Distinguishing features include the characteristic greyish tones and the often grooved ring of Amanita excelsa.
Ecological Role
Mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship with trees, exchanging nutrients and water with the roots of its host. It aids in the health and growth of the associated trees.
Safety reminder
AI mushroom identification is a best-effort estimate and can be wrong. Never use it to decide whether a mushroom is safe to handle or eat — always confirm with a qualified mycologist before any consumption.
Identified on: 10/12/2025
Mode: Standard