Agaricus arvensis
Agaricus arvensis[edit]
Agaricus arvensis, commonly known as the horse mushroom, is a species of fungus in the Agaricaceae family. It is widely distributed in temperate regions and is often found in grassy areas such as meadows, pastures, and lawns.
Description[edit]
The cap of Agaricus arvensis is typically 5 to 15 cm in diameter, initially convex, becoming flat with age. The surface is smooth and white, sometimes with a slight yellowish tint. The gills are free from the stipe and are initially pink, turning chocolate brown as the spores mature.
The stipe is 5 to 10 cm tall and 1 to 2 cm thick, with a distinctive double annulus or "cogwheel" pattern, which is a key identifying feature. The flesh is white and may turn slightly yellow when bruised.
Habitat and Distribution[edit]
Agaricus arvensis is commonly found in Europe, North America, and other temperate regions. It grows in grasslands, often in fairy rings, and is associated with nutrient-rich soils.
Edibility[edit]
The horse mushroom is considered a choice edible mushroom, with a pleasant anise-like odor. However, it can be confused with toxic species such as Agaricus xanthodermus, which has a similar appearance but a distinctive phenolic odor and yellow staining reaction.
Related Species[edit]
Agaricus arvensis is closely related to other species in the Agaricus genus, including:
- Agaricus campestris - the field mushroom
- Agaricus bisporus - the common mushroom
- Agaricus xanthodermus - the yellow-staining mushroom
Related Pages[edit]
Gallery[edit]
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Agaricus arvensis in its natural habitat
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Agaricus arvensis showing the cogwheel pattern
Agaricus arvensis[edit]
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Agaricus arvensis in the field
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Agaricus arvensis showing cogwheel
