Amanita calyptrata Pk. Cap 7.5-26cm across, convex, then broadly convex to flatter with a margin distinctly lined with warts; color varies from whitish yellow to greenish to orange-brown and yellowish on the margin, with a thick, white volval patch on the disc; sticky when moist, smooth. Gills adnate to free, crowded, broad; white to pale yellowish. Stem 100-240 x 8-30mm appearing bulbous but no basal bulb; whitish to yellowish, darkening where handled; smooth to minutely hairy. Veil membranous partial veil forms a large but fragile skirt-like ring on the middle or upper stem; the large volva is thick, white, membranous, and saclike. Flesh white but yellowish next to cap. Spores ellipsoid to elongate, nonamyloid, 9.1-14.6 x 5.9-7.9µ. Deposit white. Habitat singly, scattered, or in groups on the ground in mixed woods. Sometimes common with madrone and coast live oak. Found in the Pacific Northwest, south to central California. Season spring, September-November. Said to be edible - but I advise against eating any amanitas as the possibility of missidentification could cause death. (Never eat any mushroom until you are certain it is edible as many are poisonous and some are deadly poisonous.) Comment This photograph shows the pale yellow form that is normally collected in spring. Photographed by Greg Wright.