Amanita Citrina and Amanita Muscaria: An Overview of Two Psychoactive Mushrooms
Hey there fellow mushroom lover! Have you ever stumbled upon some funky looking fungi in the forest and wondered if they might be magic mushrooms? Well you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between two of the most common magic mushroom varieties – Amanita Citrina vs.Amanita Muscaria. I’ll walk you through how to tell them apart so you can confidently identify them on your next woodland adventure. With their unique benefits and effects, magic mushrooms can be an amazing experience (when enjoyed safely and responsibly). But you’ve got to know your shrooms before diving in. So let’s get started distinguishing these magical marvels of nature!
Key Differences Between Amanita Citrina vs. Amanita Muscaria
Amanita Citrina
Amanita citrina, also known as the false death cap, is a psychoactive mushroom found throughout the northern hemisphere. Unlike the deadly Amanita phalloides, A. citrina is considered safe for human consumption in low doses and is reported to induce pleasant psychotropic effects. The mushroom contains several compounds hypothesized to produce psychoactive effects, including muscimol, muscazone, and muscarine.
Amanita Muscaria
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is a popular psychoactive mushroom. It has a long history of use and appears frequently in popular culture. The mushroom’s vivid red and white coloring is iconic. A. muscaria grows widely throughout the northern hemisphere and contains the psychoactive compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid. In low doses, the mushroom is reported to produce pleasant psychotropic effects, though higher doses can lead to delirium and unpleasant experiences.
The effects of A. citrina and A. muscaria are due to their psychoactive compounds, particularly muscimol. Both mushrooms are considered entheogens, or natural substances used to induce altered states of consciousness for spiritual or ritualistic purposes. Though potentially dangerous in high doses, these mushrooms have a long history of human use and remain popular for recreational and entheogenic purposes today when consumed responsibly. Their psychoactive and culturally significant properties have earned them an enduring fascination.
Identifying Amanita Citrina and Amanita Muscaria in the Wild
Appearance
Amanita Citrina, also known as the false death cap, features an orange cap with yellow gills. Its stripes are yellow at the top and white at the bottom. In contrast, Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, has a bright red cap with white gills and a white stipe. Both mushrooms have a volva surrounding the base of the stipe, but the volva of Amanita Citrina is sac-like while Amanita Muscaria’s volva forms a ring around the stipe.
Edibility
While some consider Amanita Muscaria to have psychoactive properties, Amanita Citrina is poisonous and potentially lethal if ingested. Consuming even a small amount of Amanita Citrina can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and liver damage. Due to their similar appearance, Amanita Citrina is often mistaken for the edible Amanita Flavoconia and has led to accidental poisonings.
Habitat
Amanita Citrina and Amanita Muscaria can both be found growing on the ground in mixed woodlands in the Pacific Northwest, though Amanita Citrina prefers drier areas. Amanita Citrina typically fruits in the fall, while Amanita Muscaria fruits in the spring and summer.
As you can see, though these two mushrooms share some similarities in appearance and habitat, there are key differences that distinguish them. Be very careful when foraging for mushrooms, as their similarities could have dangerous consequences if misidentified. Always do thorough research and consult an expert mycologist before consuming any wild mushrooms.
