Agaricus xanthodermus

Agaricus xanthodermus (Yellow Staining Mushroom) is the only white mushroom of the genus Agaricus, a genus that includes several edible species which display a strong yellow coloration at the base of the stem when cut.

Appearance

The gills of this mushroom progress from pale-pink to a chocolate color. It is distinguished from similar mushrooms, especially fromAgaricus campestris , by its tendancy to bruise yellowish, then brownish. Its stem is bulbous with a skirt-like ring, and its caracteristic smell is phenolic.

Cap measures 6-20 cm and can be convex or plane. It is whitish, with light brown colorations towards the center. The cap is dry and smoothe, but can be scaly when aged.

Habitat

Widely found in North America, tt occurs in woods, gardens and hedgerows in autumn. This is a saprobic species.

Reference

• Collins Gem Guide: Mushrooms and Toadstools, Stefan Buckzacki (1982).