Agaricus xanthodermus

Yellow Stainer

Agaricus xanthodermus Genev. is the most frequent cause of Agaricus poisonings in Europe and elsewhere. It resembles edible field and horse mushrooms, but its flesh instantly stains bright chrome-yellow when the cap edge or stem base is scratched, and it smells of phenol (ink, iodine or hospital disinfectant), especially when cooked. It grows in gardens, parks, hedgerows and woodland edges.

Species profile

Edibility

Toxic

Poisonous. Causes gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea) in many people; sensitivity varies. Never eat.

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Habitat

Grassland, gardens, parks, hedgerows and mixed woodland edges, often in nutrient-rich, disturbed soil.

Distribution

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Characteristics

Cap: 5-15 cm, white to greyish, convex becoming flattened (often slightly squarish in profile when young), bruising bright yellow at the margin. Gills: free, pink becoming chocolate brown. Stem: white with a large, double-edged ring; stem base flesh turns vivid chrome-yellow when cut. Spore print: dark brown. Odor: phenolic (ink/carbolic).