How to identify Garden Agaricus, Pavement Mushroom

To correctly identify Garden Agaricus, Pavement Mushroom (Agaricus bitorquis), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Convex to flat, 5-15 cm, white to cream-colored, often with soil particles attached due to its subterranean development.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Free from the stem, initially pinkish, turning chocolate-brown with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Short and thick (relative to cap size), featuring a prominent double ring (annulus) derived from the partial veil.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White, thick, firm, and does not show significant yellowing when bruised compared to poisonous look-alikes.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Stocky and thick-fleshed mushroom with a firm texture.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Commonly found in disturbed urban soils, sidewalks, compacted lawns, and roadsides.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth to slightly scaly, white.

Growth Form

Solitary or small groups.

Spore Print

Chocolate brown.

Body color

White.

Odor

Faintly almond-like or characteristic mushroom scent.

Flesh bruises

Does not stain yellow.

Height

5-10 cm.

Cap Diameter

5-15 cm.

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Free.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical to club-shaped.
• Stem surface: Smooth.
• Ring: Distinctive double-ringed annulus.
• Stem cross-section: Solid flesh, not hollow.

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