It differs from A. phalloides (the death cap) by its fragile volva and tendency to bruise brown.

Originally presumed to be the highly toxic Amanita phalloides (the death cap) by renowned American mycologist Charles Horton Peck, it was described and named by George F. Atkinson of Cornell University.

[3] Amanita brunnescens has a mostly brown cap, with possible tones of olive, grey, or red.

There is no volva, but there may be volval remnants if the fruiting body is excavated carefully, that are white to brownish.

[1] A. brunnescens' most distinguishing features are the characteristic Amanita stature with warts and partial veil, as well as the cleft foot and reddening base.

Successful mushroom identification relies on the collection of mature, healthy and undamaged specimens.