Although reported from Maryland historically, recent studies suggest that Amanita muscaria sensu stricto does not occur on the East Coast. Amanita muscaria var. guessowii is common in Maryland and treated as a synonym of Amanita muscaria for now (IndexFungorum, 12/2022). Other similar-looking species that occur in Maryland are Amanita flavoconia, Amanita frostiana, Amanita parcivolvata, and Amanita persicina.
Although poisonous, it has a long history as an inebriant, used by the Russian shamans to induce visions among their tribe members. Because of its toxicity, it was eaten only by the holy men, who were said to be immune to its toxins and who would then distribute their urine around for its hallucinatory purposes. Other alleged uses, such as the cap being placed in a dish of milk to kill flies, has not been documented. (L. Biechele, pers. comm.)
There are 107 records in the project database.
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