Coccoras
Coccoras are one of my favorite mushrooms to see and collect. The distinctive colors, thick cottony cap and striation on the cap edge makes this Amanita a little easier to ID. If I am unsure at any point, it stays in the ground and I take away the memory, image and sometimes a photo.
by Katherine (Kitty) Elvin
Amanita calyptroderma
Debbie Viess has a very informative link on the BAMMS web site which tells more about this species.
You can visit mushroomobserver.org and iNaturalist for observations.
Amanita calyptroderma - Fall Coccora - tan to light brown
Amanita vernicoccora - Spring Coccora - light yellow
When I was first learning I ran into a lovely patch, while walking my dog Lexy, which I thought where coccoras. But I was new, so I collected a few of them to get some positive ID.
I came home and posted pictures of my finds along with another Amanita sp. found in the Spring favoring oak trees on google groups. I got some interesting comments warning me to be very careful. I did take my coccora sample and got a positive ID.
Since then I have been enjoying both Fall and Spring coccoras found on the coastal ranges and in the Sierras. They are beautiful and delicious and best of all one large specimen provides a tasty addition to any meal. Be picky and selective. I choose only firm young ones and take only what I can use right away.
Mushrooms covered:
- Amanita calyptroderma (coccora)
- Amanita vernicoccora