21/05/2026
Amanita rubescens
The Blusher
An early appearance of this common Amanita in Manchester this week.
This is the early stage of development, with the cap yet to detach from the volva at the base. In the next few days this will start to expand upwards and the familiar cap and stem shape of the mushroom will be visible, eventually likely becoming significantly larger than this (about 40mm across in this image).
This ectomycorrhizal species grows in association with a wide range of trees, here growing with Fagus Sylvatica, European Beech. It's very variable in appearance, with colours varying from quite pale to deep purplish-brown - though always with the characteristic 'blushing' pink/red when damaged. It's thought that this is a species complex yet to be resolved.
