Common Names: Eastern American blusher
Names are derived from the propensity of their flesh to turn pink on bruising, or cutting. This species has long been called Amanita rubescens by mycologists who collect in North America. Our eastern North American version of Amanita rubescens is probably not really the same, phylogenetically, as the original Amanita rubescens of Europe. Actually there may be several unnamed eastern North American species; a detailed study of this group is needed.
Flesh is White throughout, discoloring slowly pale pinkish red. Cap is typically 4 to 15 cm; convex, becoming broadly convex or flat; dry or slightly sticky; adorned with with numerous felty warts that are bright yellow and densely packed at first, but soon spread and fade, becoming pinkish, grayish or dull tan; surface dull brassy yellow to dull brown when young, becoming flushed with red shades, and eventually turning reddish brown to tan or brown; the margin typically not lined. Gills are free from the stem or narrowly attached to it; white, sometimes discoloring reddish; close or crowded; short-gills numerous. Stem is 5 to 18 cm long and 1 to 3 cm thick; more or less equal, or sometimes slightly enlarged toward base; the base indistinct to bulbous; generally without universal veil remnants; without a rim; white at first, becoming stained pinkish to dirty red; bald or finely hairy; with a fragile, persistent ring.
Mycorrhizal, primarily with oaks. Found summer and fall growing alone, scattered, or in great numbers.
Cherry Lane Park
Devils Den Nature Preserve
Naugatuck State Forest
Southford Falls State Park
Trout Brook Valley Preserve