The Bloodgood Japanese maple has finally come into its fall color! Such a brilliant fiery color!
Now, for today’s “trippin’’ adventure!
I was headed to ladies Bible study this morning and happened to notice a field of these beauties!
This is just part of the field. I knew when I got home, a hike was in order to get a closer look!
These lovelies are called Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly algaric. They are not edible but do have uses. Preparation is the key.
I asked GROK about these ‘shrooms. Here’s what it had to say:
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is one of the most iconic and recognizable mushrooms in the world. Its bright red cap (often 5–20 cm wide) dotted with white warts makes it look like something out of a fairy tale—but it’s also potentially toxic and has a long history of cultural, medicinal, and psychoactive use.
It goes on to list it’s key identification factors:
• Cap: Bright red to orange-red, covered in white or yellowish pyramidal warts (remnants of the universal veil).
• Gills: White, free from the stem.
• Stem: White, with a bulbous base and a distinctive skirt-like ring (annulus). The base often has concentric rings of veil remnants.
• Spore print: White.
• Habitat: Forms symbiotic (mycorrhizal) relationships with birch, pine, spruce, and fir trees. Common in northern temperate and boreal forests (North America, Europe, Asia).
• Season: Late summer to autumn.
I’ve seen these here in this specific spot before, but it’s been a good two-maybe three years. GROK goes on to say:
Toxicity & Psychoactive Compounds
Despite its beauty, A. muscaria is not edible in the culinary sense and can cause serious illness if eaten raw or improperly prepared.
Main active compounds:
- Ibotenic acid → Decarboxylates into muscimol (the primary psychoactive agent) when dried or heated.
- Muscimol → GABA-A receptor agonist; causes sedative, deliriant, and dream-like effects.
- Muscazone (minor).
Effects (when ingested):
• Onset: 30 minutes – 2 hours
• Symptoms:
• Nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating
• Confusion, visual distortions, euphoria or dysphoria
• Delirium, vivid dreams, altered sense of size/time (Alice in Wonderland syndrome)
• Drowsiness, deep sleep, then wakefulness
• Duration: 6–12 hours
• Toxicity level: Rarely fatal, but unpredictable. Most recover within 24 hours. Never eat wild specimens without expert preparation.
Warning: Misidentification with deadly Amanitas (e.g., A. phalloides) is possible if warts wash off in rain.
Continuing on, GROK has this to say about traditional and cultural uses:
Traditional & Cultural Use
• Siberian shamans: Dried mushrooms (to convert ibotenic acid → muscimol) were consumed for vision quests and spiritual journeys. Reindeer famously eat them and exhibit intoxicated behavior—possibly the origin of “flying reindeer” myths.
• Christmas symbolism: Red-and-white colors + pine tree association may have influenced Santa Claus imagery (speculative but popular theory).
• European folklore: Used to deter flies (hence “fly agaric”)—pieces soaked in milk attracted and killed flies.
Well- at least the flies died happy! 😁
GROK continues on about it’s uses ( please do not ingest)
Modern Use & Microdosing
• Microdosing: Some people dry and consume very small amounts (0.5–2g dried) for purported benefits like:
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved sleep
• Enhanced creativity
• Preparation (for those who insist):
1. Dry thoroughly at low heat (<50°C) to convert ibotenic acid → muscimol.
2. Avoid raw consumption (ibotenic acid is neurotoxic in high doses).
• Legality: Legal in most countries (not a controlled substance like psilocybin), but sale for human consumption is restricted in some places.
Of course as with any ‘shroom, there are look-alikes! GROK warns:
Look-Alikes (Dangerous!)
• Amanita caesarea (Caesar’s mushroom) – edible, but orange cap, yellow gills, no white warts.
• Amanita pantherina (panther cap) – brown cap, more potent, higher risk of convulsions.
• Deadly Amanitas (e.g., A. virosa, A. phalloides) – lack red color but can be confused if cap fades.
A final warning from GROK:
Final Note: While fascinating, Amanita muscaria is not a beginner’s mushroom. If you’re curious about foraging or use, consult a mycologist or experienced guide. Misuse can lead to severe discomfort or hospitalization.
Here’s a good reference for the size of some of these:
Crazy big!
It was an awesome time just taking them all in. The folks who own this property have horses and mules. Something had taken a bite or two. I know I read somewhere that reindeer have been known to eat them and appear to have a good time. I’m guessing that their bodies handle it differently? Anyway, makes me wonder who took the bites? 🧐
That’s gonna be it for today. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌏🙏
👣🐑☕️🍄🍁🌻😎👍😁🧐🌙🥱😴
NKJV Psalm 95:1-11
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the LORD is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you will hear His voice:
“Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
This report was published via Actifit app (Android | iOS). Check out the original version here on actifit.io
Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH
