Agaricus arvensis

Agaricus arvensis, commonly known as the horse mushroom, is a species of mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. It is native to North America and Europe, and is widely cultivated for its edible fruit bodies.

Description

The cap of Agaricus arvensis is typically 8–20 cm in diameter, and is initially convex before flattening out with age. It is white, often with a yellowish tint, and can become discolored with age or when bruised. The gills are free from the stem, and are initially pink before turning chocolate brown as the spores mature. The stem is typically 8–10 cm tall and 2–3 cm thick, and has a ring near the top.

Habitat and distribution

Agaricus arvensis is found in grassy areas such as fields, lawns, and meadows, and is particularly common in areas with rich soil. It is widely distributed in North America and Europe, and has been introduced to other parts of the world.

Edibility

The fruit bodies of Agaricus arvensis are edible and are often collected for consumption. They have a mild flavor and a pleasant aroma, and are commonly used in cooking. However, they can be confused with several toxic species, so care should be taken when collecting them.

See also

• List of Agaricus species
• Edible mushroom