Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria
This highly poisonous mushroom, when fully-grown, has a plate-like pillar-box red cap, white spots and white gills which all render this toadstool a particularly recognisable fungus
Conservation status in Norfolk
This species of fungi is not rare or threatened.
How to help
The Woodland Trust are requesting fly agaric sightings to help them track the possible impact of global warming on this toadstool.
David North
Information on the Fly Agaric
How to recognise
When it first emerges, this highly poisonous mushroom looks like an egg covered in numerous white or yellowish warts. When fully grown the plate-like, bright red cap, collar around the stem, white spots and white gills make this mushroom instantly recognisable. However, the colour of the mushroom may fade in the rain or as it matures and the white spots may rub off.
Where to see
Fly Agaric is common in Norfolk, found on acid soils, particularly under birch trees. A good place in Norfolk to view this distinctive toadstool is NWT Roydon Common. Heathland with birch trees is a favoured habitat.
When to see
Late summer and autumn. The fruiting body of the fungus, the toadstool, is most often found from August to November
Did you know?
The name fly agaric is believed to originate from its use as an insecticide when the mushroom is mixed with milk.
Related questions
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