Species details
Ornate mushroom
Agaricus comtulus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Stem2 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
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.
Detailed features
- Cap
- The cap is about 2–3.5 cm wide, initially white, later pale ochre with a darker yellow-brown centre.
- Hymenophore
- Gills are free, long and pink to brownish.
- Stem
- The stem is slender, white to ochre, with a white ring.
Size
- Cap diameter
- 2–3,5 cm
Habitat
Grows in late summer and autumn on fertilised meadows and fields, usually in small scattered groups; rare.
Fruiting period
August, September, October
Ecology
- Substrate
- Grassland
- Notes
- Grows in late summer and autumn on fertilised meadows and fields, usually in small scattered groups; rare.
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.