Yellow Stainer
Agaricus xanthodermus
Cap Diameter (mm): 
50-150
Stem Diameter (mm): 
10-20
Stem Height (mm): 
50-150
 
Description: 
Agaricus xanthodermus, the Yellow Staining Mushroom, can cause serious stomach upsets and so should not be eaten. It can be confused with other members of the Agaricaceae.
Cap: 
Initially globose but with a flat top, the cap expands to become broadly convex without an in-rolled margin. Initially pure white and matt, later greying, caps grow to maturity, and then quickly turn yellow when scratched or bruised.
Gills: 
Off-white gills that soon turn pink and later become grey-brown as the fruit body reaches maturity.
Stem: 
Has a smooth, silky surface and a bulbous base. A large white stem ring persists through to maturity. When cut the stem flesh quickly turns from white to chrome yellow, most markedly at the stem base.
Habitat: 
Most commonly under hedgerows and at the edges of gardens and other areas of disturbed soil.