The most iconic mushroom of them all: amanitas, those red-capped and white-speckled toadstools seen everywhere from children’s books to jewelry. Though I’ve sadly never gotten to admire their beauty in person, I’ve seen many images of them that prove how majestic and artistic they are.
Amanitas, also known as fly agarics, have a complex history with humans in which they were used to induce hallucinations and increase psychoactive activity. I don’t know much about why they were used this way, but I do know that they are quite powerful ‘shrooms with intense side effects. Some claim amanitas are edible and even a choice mushroom, while others warn against even going near them. The famous mycologist Paul Stamets has described in detail his bad trip while on amanitas. I would simply suggest that one treats this mushroom, like all other fungi, with a large and healthy dose of respect, reverence, and very proper identification and research before deciding on its edibility.
Regardless of their toxicity and controversy, amanita mushrooms are stunning and incredibly beautiful fungi. My cousin recently found some near her home in Alberta and graciously sent me some photos with the suggestion I write a blog for them – so here we are. I look forward to the day when I can admire some in an autumn forest myself!
Hi Hazel,
Love the mini blog. Are armanitas magic mushrooms? I have never seen these before. I have always thought that all tool stools were poisonous.
Your cousin took great shots..
Nancy
Thank you for commenting, Nancy! Amanitas are different than magic mushrooms but have somewhat similar properties. And yes, these ones are very unique and striking.
According to Wikipedia, extracts from the mushroom has been traditionally used for catching flies, thus the term “Fly agarics”.
Right, I remember learning about that from Sher! Such an interesting mushroom.