First described from southern California in 1989. This taxa is associated with Live Oaks, and belongs to the “Grisette” group of grey -to fawn capped Amanitas. Gills are edged in the same grey as the cap and stipe has fine grey pinstriping along the upper half, breaking into a wavy pattern at base. Volva cup is inconsequential in specimens observed on Dairy Creek (near Cuesta) on 12/30/12.
MykoWeb has a page on Amanita protecta
Original description at: Tulloss, R. E. & Wright, G. (1989). Amanita protecta–a new species from coastal southern California. Mycotaxon 34: 615-622.
Striate cap margin
Volva base
Cap with remnant veil
Cap with no apparent veil
San Luis Obispo Fungi 