Agaricus silvicola (Wood Mushroom)

The Wood Mushroom grows in the woods (both deciduous and coniferous) from late Spring to Fall. They are wide spread but never grow in any significant numbers. I regularly find them scattered single or in small groups, mainly under coniferous trees. The bugs love this mushroom. Until Fall fruiting I never even try to pick them for kitchen. Even the buttons are heavily infested.

Name

Originally This species was considered variation of Agaricus campestri (Medow Mushroom). Latin name Agaricus silvicola literally means Agaricus that dwells in woods. Common name Wood Mushroom is widely used.

Characteristics

  • cap is up to 12 cm in diameter, white to tan and bruising yellow
  • gills are crowded, start pinkish and turn chocolate brown to almost black in maturity
  • stem is long and usually have a bulbous base
  • ring is big and floppy
  • flesh is white and have a pleasant smell

Edibility

It is popular edible in Europe. In North America there is some reports of allergic reactions (I don’t think there is ANY mushroom without some problem reports in North America). It is high on my list of edibles.

There is a very similar species, Agaricus arvensis (Horse Mushroom) that grows on meadows and pastures. This one is more massive and stains a little less yellow, but it is also edible.

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