It's really uncommon because there aren't any large forests here and the countryside is generally used very heavily for agriculture. However, when I took a walk there were four large beech trees near a lake and apparently that is all it takes for these beautiful but deadly mushrooms to grow! I guess the leaves of the deciduous trees provide a wet and rich fertile ground for mushrooms to grow and reproduce.
The white spots can wash off in heavy rain, so don't confuse these with other mushrooms!
Did you know that some Saami in Scandinavia drink the urine of reindeer who get fed with these mushrooms? Apparently it causes no harm to the reindeer and is less toxic for humans after the animals excrete it. A natural, but very effective way to get high... But don't try this at home ;)
