Species details

Ornate mushroom

Agaricus comtulus

Traditionally edible

Description

A small white to ochre grassland Agaricus with a yellow-brown cap centre, pink gills and a delicate ring.

Identification features

The cap is about 2–3.5 cm wide, initially white, later pale ochre with a darker yellow-brown centre. Gills are free, long and pink to brownish. The stem is slender, white to ochre, with a white ring.

Identification checklist

Check the small size, free pink gills, white ring and lack of strong yellow staining when handled. A mild almond-like smell is also characteristic.

How to separate similar species

With all Agaricus, poisonous yellow-staining species, especially A. xanthodermus, must be excluded. Strong yellowing and phenolic odour are warning signs.

Habitat

Grows in late summer and autumn on fertilised meadows and fields, usually in small scattered groups; rare.