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Agaricus silvaticus, commonly known as the wood mushroom, is a relatively small, woodland Agaricus, distinguished by its reddish-brown cap scales and a stem that bruises reddish-brown. It is an edible mushroom, but caution is advised due to potential confusion with toxic look-alikes.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 5-10 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and covered with reddish-brown scales. The cap surface can be dry to slightly sticky.
- Gills
- The gills are free from the stem, starting pinkish and maturing to brown or chocolate-brown.
- Stem
- The stem is cylindrical, 5-8 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, with a ring. The stem bruises reddish-brown when handled.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white, bruising reddish-brown when cut or damaged.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Agaricus silvaticus is a mushroom with a cap and stem.
- Habitat
- Agaricus silvaticus is found in deciduous and coniferous woodlands, often near rotting wood. It fruits from summer to autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Reddish-brown scales
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Chocolate-brown
- Body color: White, bruising reddish-brown
- Odor: Mushroomy, pleasant
- Flesh bruises: Reddish-brown
- Height: 5-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-10 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeAgaricus silvaticus is generally considered edible, but it can be confused with toxic species, such as Agaricus xanthodermus (Yellow Stainer), which causes gastrointestinal upset. Proper identification is crucial.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mushroomy, pleasant
- Fruiting: Summer to Autumn
- Substrate: Woodland soil, often near decaying wood
Where to Find
Europe
Common in European woodlands.
North America
Found in some regions of North America.
Finding Tips
Look in Woodlands
Search in deciduous or coniferous woodlands, especially near decaying wood.
Check for Bruising
Note the reddish-brown bruising reaction when the flesh or stem is damaged.
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: 20
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Clean Agaricus silvaticus by gently brushing off any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking in water, as mushrooms can absorb moisture and become waterlogged.
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