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Agaricus arvensis, known as the Horse Mushroom, is a large, white-capped mushroom often found in fields and grassy areas. It is generally considered edible and has a pleasant, anise-like odor, especially when young. However, it can be confused with poisonous look-alikes, so careful identification is crucial.
How to Identify
- Cap
- White to cream-colored, smooth, and can become slightly yellowish with age. It starts convex and flattens out. The cap surface may bruise yellowish.
- Gills
- Free from the stem, starting pinkish and maturing to chocolate brown or black.
- Stem
- White, stout, with a prominent ring. The stem base may be slightly bulbous.
- Flesh
- White, bruising slightly yellowish when cut or damaged. Has a characteristic anise-like smell.
- Fruiting body
- Large and fleshy, typically 10-20 cm in diameter.
- Habitat
- Fields, meadows, and grassy areas, often in rings or groups. Typically fruits in late summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Solitary or in groups
- Spore Print: Chocolate brown
- Body color: White to cream
- Odor: Anise-like
- Flesh bruises: Slightly yellowish
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 10-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible, but can be confused with poisonous species.
Quick Check
- Odor: Anise-like
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Grassland
Where to Find
Fields and Meadows
Commonly found in grassy fields, pastures, and meadows, especially after rainfall.
Parks and Gardens
Can also occur in well-maintained parks and gardens with grassy areas.
Finding Tips
Check Grassy Areas
Look in open grassy areas, especially where livestock may have grazed.
Anise-like Odor
Crush a small piece of the flesh and check for a distinct anise-like smell.
Similar Species
Yellow Stainer
Agaricus
Also known as: Agaricus xanthodermus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Agaricaceae
- Genus
- Agaricus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 0°C
- Freezing duration: 3-6 months
- Min Temperature: 2-4°C
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Brush off any dirt or debris. Wipe the cap with a damp cloth. Trim the stem if necessary.
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