Sarah Brown
Meadow mushrooms, also known as Agaricus campestris, are a common species of mushrooms that can be found in meadows, fields, and other grassy areas. They are widely consumed and are said to have a rich flavour. While they are edible, they resemble some poisonous species, such as Agaricus xanthodermus, which can cause gastrointestinal issues. Meadow mushrooms have whitish, light buff, or slightly grayish caps and pinkish gills that turn dark brown as the mushroom ages. They are closely related to button mushrooms found in supermarkets. However, it is important to accurately identify meadow mushrooms to distinguish them from toxic varieties, especially for foragers in North America, where the naming of species can be confusing due to historical reasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Meadow mushroom, pink bottom, field mushroom, Agaricus campestris |
| Cap colour | White, light buff, or slightly greyish |
| Cap texture | Smooth or with very fine tan silky fibres or light scaling |
| Cap shape | Bell-shaped as buttons, then flattens out with advanced maturity |
| Cap size | 3-12 cm (1 1/4-4 3/4 inches) in diameter |
| Gill colour | Starts as pink, then red-brown, and finally dark brown |
| Gill texture | Crowded and not attached to the stem |
| Stipe | 3-10 cm (1 1/4-4 in) tall, 1-2 cm wide, predominantly white and bears a single thin ring |
| Taste | Mild |
| Flesh colour | White |
| Flesh bruising colour | Dingy reddish brown |
| Habitat | Grassy areas, including lawns, parks, pastures, golf courses, fields, yards, forest edges, and meadows |
| Season | Early summer |
| Edibility | Edible |
| Toxic lookalikes | Agaricus xanthodermus, Amanita virosa, Amanita hygroscopica, Agaricus californicus |
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What You'll Learn
Meadow mushrooms are edible but resemble some poisonous species
Meadow mushrooms (Agaricus campestris) are edible and widely eaten. They are closely related to the cultivated button mushroom (A. bisporus) and have a similar taste, though some say it is stronger and richer. Meadow mushrooms are commonly known as field mushrooms or, in North America, meadow mushrooms. They are found in fields and grassy areas, including lawns, parks, pastures, and golf courses. They are usually found in small groups or fairy rings.
However, it is important to note that meadow mushrooms resemble some poisonous species. There are several toxic, white-gilled mushrooms that share the same habitat as meadow mushrooms. Meadow mushrooms can be identified by their smooth and white caps, which may have fine scales and are typically 3 to 12 centimetres in diameter. The gills of meadow mushrooms are initially pink, turning red-brown and then dark brown with age, while the stems are predominantly white.
One dangerous look-alike is the deadly Amanita virosa, or the "destroying angel", which can be distinguished by the presence of a volva at the base, a remnant of the universal veil. Another toxic mushroom that may be confused with the meadow mushroom is the Agaricus xanthodermus, or yellow stainer, which causes gastrointestinal problems. The Agaricus xanthodermus can be identified by its yellow staining on the cap and stem and an inky or phenol smell. It is important to check for these characteristics when foraging for meadow mushrooms, as improper identification can have serious consequences.
To identify meadow mushrooms, it is recommended to look for smaller sibling buttons nearby and slice one lengthwise to examine its anatomy. Additionally, the mushroom's smell can be a good indicator, with a mushroomy and good-smelling odour being favourable. If the mushroom smells like embalming fluid, it is not a meadow mushroom.
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Meadow mushrooms are closely related to button mushrooms
Agaricus campestris, commonly known as the meadow mushroom, is closely related to the cultivated Agaricus bisporus, or the button mushroom. Agaricus campestris is a widely eaten gilled mushroom, while Agaricus bisporus is one of the most commonly and widely consumed mushrooms in the world, cultivated in more than 70 countries.
Both types of mushrooms have similar names when immature and white, such as white button, baby bella, and cremini. When Agaricus bisporus is marketed in its mature state, it is brown and commonly sold under names such as portobello, portabella, or portobella. Agaricus campestris also has a white cap that may have fine scales, and it too is first hemispherical in shape before flattening out with maturity.
Agaricus campestris is found in fields and grassy areas worldwide, often on lawns in suburban areas, and is edible. However, it resembles some poisonous species, so it is important to correctly identify them. One way to do this is to check for yellow staining on the cap and stem and the smell around the gills. If the mushroom turns yellow when cut or bruised and has an unpleasant smell, it is likely one of the toxic Agaricus species.
Agaricus bisporus also has some poisonous lookalikes in the wild, such as Entoloma sinuatum. It can also be confused with Agaricus xanthodermus, an inedible mushroom found worldwide that causes nausea and vomiting in some people. Agaricus xanthodermus can be distinguished by its odor, reminiscent of phenol, and its flesh turning yellow when bruised.
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Meadow mushrooms can be identified by their smooth, white caps
Meadow mushrooms, or Agaricus campestris, are a widely eaten variety of mushrooms. They are closely related to the cultivated button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and are often found in fields and grassy areas, including lawns, parks, and golf courses. Meadow mushrooms can be identified by their smooth, white caps, which may have fine scales and are typically 3 to 12 centimetres (1+1⁄4 to 4+3⁄4 inches) in diameter. The caps start out bell-shaped and then flatten out as the mushroom matures. While the caps are usually white, they can also have a light buff or slightly grayish colour.
It is important to accurately identify meadow mushrooms, as some similar-looking species are poisonous or toxic. One key distinguishing feature is the colour of the gills, which are pinkish in meadow mushrooms and turn dark brown as the mushroom ages. In contrast, toxic varieties that resemble meadow mushrooms have white gills. Additionally, meadow mushrooms lack yellow staining on cut areas, while toxic varieties may turn yellow when bruised or cut.
The smell of meadow mushrooms is another important factor in identification. A mushroom that smells like embalming fluid or similar to cleaning chemicals is toxic. Meadow mushrooms have a mild, mushroomy odour.
Meadow mushrooms are commonly found in meadows, fields, and grassy areas, especially after rainfall. They typically grow in large groupings and form fairy rings. Foragers can often find them in the same locations year after year.
While meadow mushrooms are edible and widely consumed, it is always recommended to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms. Proper identification is crucial, and consuming only a small amount initially is advisable to ensure they agree with your system.
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Meadow mushrooms have pink gills that turn brown with age
Meadow mushrooms, also known as Agaricus campestris, are a common species of mushrooms that grow in grassy areas, including lawns, parks, pastures, and golf courses. They are closely related to the cultivated button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and are edible, but they resemble some poisonous species, making them challenging to identify accurately.
Meadow mushrooms have distinctive pink gills that turn brown with age. The gills are initially pink, then become red-brown, and finally, a dark chocolate brown color. This color change is an important feature for identifying meadow mushrooms, as there are toxic, white-gilled mushrooms that share the same habitats. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the gills before consuming any wild mushrooms.
The pink gills of meadow mushrooms are protected by a veil during their early stages of growth. This veil covers the gills, safeguarding the spore-bearing surfaces until the spores are ready for release. As the mushroom matures, the veil breaks, exposing the pink gills, which gradually turn brown.
To identify meadow mushrooms accurately, it is essential to consider additional characteristics beyond the gill color. The caps of meadow mushrooms are typically white, light buff, or slightly grayish, and they may have fine tan silky fibers or light scaling. The caps are initially bell-shaped and then flatten out as the mushroom matures. Meadow mushrooms also have a mild taste and a pleasant, mushroomy smell.
When identifying meadow mushrooms, it is crucial to be cautious as some similar-looking species are poisonous. For example, Agaricus xanthodermus, commonly known as the yellow stainer, causes gastrointestinal problems in many people and can be distinguished by its yellow staining and unpleasant smell. Additionally, Amanita virosa and Amanita hygroscopica, known as the "destroying angel," are deadly mushrooms that can be confused with meadow mushrooms. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to the characteristics of the mushroom and verify multiple identifying features before consuming any wild mushrooms.
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Meadow mushrooms are found in fields and grassy areas
Meadow mushrooms, or Agaricus campestris, are commonly found in fields and grassy areas. They are known to grow in meadows, lawns, parks, pastures, and golf courses. They are often found on lawns in suburban areas, appearing in small groups, in fairy rings, or solitary. They start to fruit in early summer, and like open spaces. They can be found worldwide, including in Asia, Europe, northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and
Meadow mushrooms are closely related to the cultivated button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and are edible. However, they resemble some poisonous species, so it is important to be able to identify them correctly before consuming them. One way to distinguish meadow mushrooms from similar-looking poisonous mushrooms is by examining the gills under the cap, which should be pinkish in young meadow mushrooms and turn dark brown as the mushroom ages. If the mushroom has white gills, it is not a meadow mushroom.
Another important identification feature is the lack of yellow staining on cut areas of the mushroom. If the cut stem of a mushroom stains yellow, it is likely a toxic variety. Additionally, the smell of the mushroom can be indicative of its edibility. A pleasant, mushroomy smell is a good sign, while an unpleasant smell, similar to embalming fluid or cleaning chemicals, is indicative of a toxic variety.
Meadow mushrooms have smooth, white caps that are easy to spot in short grass. The caps may also have very fine tan silky fibers or light scaling. The caps are initially bell-shaped and then flatten out as the mushroom matures. The size of the caps can range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches wide.
Overall, while meadow mushrooms are commonly found in fields and grassy areas, it is important to correctly identify them before consuming them due to their resemblance to some poisonous species.
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Frequently asked questions
Meadow mushrooms, also known as Agaricus campestris, are a type of fungus commonly found in fields and grassy areas. They have a smooth, white cap and pink gills that turn dark brown as the mushroom ages.
No, meadow mushrooms are not psychedelic. However, they are edible and have a mild taste. They are closely related to the cultivated button mushroom and have a similar flavour.
Meadow mushrooms have a smooth, white cap that may have fine scales. The gills are initially pink, turning dark brown with age. The stem is predominantly white and has a thin ring in the middle. Meadow mushrooms also have a mild, mushroomy smell.
Yes, there are several toxic mushrooms that resemble meadow mushrooms. These include Agaricus xanthodermus (the yellow stainer), which causes gastrointestinal problems, and Amanita virosa (the "destroying angel"), which is deadly. Toxic look-alikes can be identified by their yellow staining and unpleasant smell, resembling cleaning chemicals.
Meadow mushrooms grow in meadows, fields, and other grassy areas, including lawns, parks, and golf courses. They typically grow in groups and can be found after rain during the summer months.
