Thanks for that informative piece of information Steve. Hmmmm, now I am wondering what those 'mushrooms' actually were that I cooked for hubby last night!! I haven't seen him all day!!!...........just kidding :)

Cindy, Amanita muscaria forms a mycorrhizal association with the roots of conifers, which is why it appears close to such trees. Golda is right that this is a poisonous species, although by no means the most deadly. Another Amanita sp known as the Death Cap, and its close relation, the Destroying Angel, are much more deadly. A single one of those in a mushroom dish for a family would kill everyone eating it. Symptoms only appear after 24 hours or so, by which time it is too late to do anything about it, and death is both inevitable and unpleasant! Hope that cheered you up!!

Cindy,I just did a little research on this shroom,and Don is correct.It is also known by the name Amanita Muscaria,and used as a hallucinogenic.Very deadly poisonous,only Shaman need apply to use this cute little toadstool.It is also interesting to note that this mushroom has been used quite extensivly in popular culture for a number of things.You just got to love that google...

Beautiful color. I have never seen one of these in our area.