Identification
Red cap with white flecks — remnants of the universal veil; white gills; ring and volval remnants on the stem. The picture-book mushroom.
Toxins and the picture of poisoning
Contains ibotenic acid and muscimol: 30 min – 3 h after eating come intoxication-like delirium, hallucinations, incoordination, agitation then sleep. Fatalities are rare but described, especially combined with other substances. The mushroom's psychoactive use is a documented but risky practice — dose content varies wildly.
In practice
- Decorative but not for the basket.
- Be aware: folk "agaric therapy" recipes circulate online — the evidence base does not support them.