Agaricus silvicola

Agaricus silvicola, also known as the wood mushroom, is a species of Agaricus mushroom related to the button mushroom.

Taxonomy

Originally described as the variety Agaricus campestris var. silvicola by Carlo Vittadini in 1832, it was promoted to distinct species status by Charles Horton Peck in 1873.

Description

The cap is light cream, and bruises yellow ochre when damaged. It is 5–10 centimetres (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter, which makes it slightly smaller than its close relative Agaricus arvensis, the "horse mushroom". The stem is long, slim, and usually has a bulbous base. It is much the same colour as the cap, and has a fragile drooping ring. The flesh is thin and white, and smells of aniseed. It looks fairly similar to a young death cap, it is believed by some mycologists.

Distribution and habitat

Agaricus silvicola grows in both deciduous and coniferous woodland in Britain, Europe, and North America. Appearing in the autumn, it is rarely seen in huge numbers, usually just a few, or solitary.