Species library · Mushrooms

Fly Agaric: deadly poisonous

Amanita muscaria

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Fly Agaric is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. Have every wild mushroom checked by a qualified mushroom expert before eating it.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from August to November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

Photo: (c) Borja Fierro, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Borja Fierro · iNaturalist

When Fly Agaric appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Fly Agaric is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

⚠ Look-alikes

False Caesar's MushroomFalse Caesar's Mushroom☠ deadly
Caesar's Amanita
Royal Fly Agaric

Look up Fly Agaric in the app

In the Forage app, Fly Agaric has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Fly Agaric: common questions

Is Fly Agaric poisonous?

Yes. Fly Agaric is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Fly Agaric appear?

Fly Agaric usually appears from August to November in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Fly Agaric grow?

Fly Agaric is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

What can Fly Agaric be confused with?

Similar species: False Caesar's Mushroom, Caesar's Amanita, Royal Fly Agaric. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by a qualified mushroom expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits