Habitat Scattered to gregarious under pine, especially Monterey pine from midwinter to spring. Because Monterey pine is widely planted in the San Francisco Bay area, the Panther Amanita is abundant and easily found in urban parks. Edibility Toxic, but normally not deadly. Contains ibotenic acid and muscimol. Comments Amanita pantherina is an extremely variable species in the S.F. Bay area with cap color varying from yellowish-buff to dark brown.
Most collections fall in the former category.
Amanita gemmata is similar but with a yellower cap. There is speculation that the two species hybridize locally causing the variation that is seen.