Grisette

Grisette Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Fr. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 5–9cm across, ovate at first, expanding to almost flat with umbo, distinctly striate at margin; typically grey-brown, more rarely darker or lighter, or even white in var. alba (below). Stem 130–200×15–20mm, tapering towards apex; whitish flushed with cap colour; becoming hollow, base enclosed in large, bag-like, grey-tinged volva; no ring. Flesh white; taste and smell not distinctive. Gills adnexed, crowded; white. Spores 9–12¼ in diameter, globose; nonamyloid. Spore print white. Habitat in deciduous woods or on heaths; summer to autumn. Common. Edible but best avoided due to possible confusion with the deadly Amanitas.