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.
Habitat:
Most commonly under hedgerows and at the edges of gardens and other areas of disturbed soil.
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.
