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Horse Mushroom
Agaricus arvensis, the horse mushroom, is a large white Agaricus of meadows and pastures. It is recognized by a cap that stains yellow, especially when young, an odor of almond extract or marzipan (from benzaldehyde), and a large double ring whose lower layer shows a 'cogwheel' pattern around the stem on unopened caps. The gills pass from pale pinkish-white through grey to chocolate brown, and it may grow in fairy rings.
Choice edible for most people, but identification must be certain. Deadly white Amanita species (destroying angels such as A. verna) have white gills, a white spore print and a volva at the stem base. The yellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus) bruises bright yellow, smells of phenol (ink-like) and causes stomach upsets. Like other Agaricus, it can accumulate cadmium and other heavy metals; avoid roadsides and polluted ground.
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Mycology is an evolving science: names, classifications and safety information change as research advances. Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
