commonly known white american star species fungus family mushrooms fungus distributed eastern united_states south florida reaches north southeastern provinces canada cap fruit body medium sized diameter white sits atop stem long rounded base entire fruit body slowly stain reddish brown color response aging remains unknown distinct species similar comparable distribution white bodied confused including taxonomy classification naming american mycologist described species based specimens collected massachusetts michigan new_york virginia original report published latin description contrary naming conventions international code botanical nomenclature later amended description doubt distinct species brown american star described singer claimed species distinguished consistent absence brownish gray radial stripes cap mycologist described variant var said identical white pale cap monograph north american species preferred reserve judgment matter classified section genus grouping characterized having spherical spores developed rings weakly flesh narrow limbs protruding soft specific epithet derived latin meaning pertaining summer vernacular white american star description cap fruit body diameter depending age range egg shaped convex somewhat flattened older specimens edges curved upwards color white pale tan center cap older specimens areas tissue colored brownish red shades edge cap radial grooves long mirror position underlying gills moist cap sticky touch dry shiny usually remnants thin white gills crowded close free attachment stem slightly swollen middle tapering near ends stem long thick slightly thicker base stuffed whitish hyphae resemble cotton surface stem smooth delicate soft white hairs base stem reach diameter ring located upper portion stem white long lasting remains closely attached portion stretch like thin membrane adhere base stem collapsing flesh slowly turn pinkish brown chocolate brown injured bruised young specimens distinct odor fruit bodies smell slightly age edibility documented species sources noted suspected microscopic characteristics viewed deposit like spore print white examination microscope reveals details roughly spherical hyaline translucent thin walled dimensions spores meaning absorb stained melzer reagent appear blue blue spore bearing cells basidia spored thin walled measure long thick present bases basidia similar species according singer species mistaken eastern united_states ellipsoid spores white range include deadly toxic species loose stem cap usually olive green typically spored basidia considered white form species brownish gray radial stripes usually short section hyphae projecting surface produce fine appearance rapidly european star cream yellow color differs reaction chemical tests known europe habitat distribution ecology mycorrhizal species meaning forms relationship hyphae fungus grow tiny roots trees shrubs way plant better able absorb soil nutrients fungus receives moisture protection plant fruit bodies fungus grow ground deciduous coniferous mixed forests preference noted oak woods containing species beech wood fruit bodies typically appear late june autumn north_america found states new_england alabama new_york virginia distribution extends north southeastern provinces canada south florida
Amanita aestivalis