 Amanita ravenelii is a mycorrhizal fungus , meaning it forms mutualistic associations with shrubs and trees . Mushrooms grow on the ground solitarily , scattered , or in groups in mixed coniferous and deciduous forests . Although the specific tree associations preferred by A. ravenelii are unknown , in general , Amanita from section Lepidella tend to associate with <unk> pine ( that is , pines in subgenus Pinus ) , oak , and hickory . 
