Species details
Lange's mushroom
Agaricus langei
Traditionally edible
Photo: Irene Andersson (irenea) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
_F.H._M%C3%B8ller_(231468).jpg){kind=link}
Description
A large woodland Agaricus with brown cap scales, a thick stem and flesh that reddens strongly when cut.
Identification features
The cap is large and fleshy, pale with dense brown fibrous scales. Gills are free, pink when young and later dark chocolate brown. The stem is stout and thick, and the flesh quickly turns vivid red when cut.
Identification checklist
Check the large size, brown-scaled cap, free gills maturing to chocolate brown, thick stem and strong reddening of the flesh.
How to separate similar species
Agaricus sylvaticus is usually smaller. Poisonous yellow-staining Agaricus may show strong yellowing and an unpleasant phenolic smell, so always check odour and colour changes.
Habitat
Grows in woodland, mainly with conifers, in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
July, August, September, October