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Agrocybe praecox is a common mushroom found in grassy areas and woodlands. It is characterized by its smooth, tan to brown cap and a stem that often has a ring. While not considered highly toxic, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 2-6 cm in diameter, smooth, and varies in color from tan to brown. It is convex when young, becoming more flattened with age.
- Gills
- The gills are closely spaced, adnate to adnexed, and start as a pale color, darkening to a brownish color as the spores mature.
- Stem
- The stem is typically 3-8 cm long and 0.5-1 cm thick, smooth to slightly fibrous, and often has a ring.
- Flesh
- The flesh is whitish to pale brown and does not change color when cut.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is generally medium-sized with a smooth cap and a stem that may have a ring.
- Habitat
- Grows in grassy areas, woodlands, and disturbed soil.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Solitary to scattered
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Tan to brown
- Odor: Farinaceous (like flour or meal)
- Flesh bruises: No bruising
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-6 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
Mild ToxicityAgrocybe praecox is not considered highly toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to properly identify this mushroom to avoid confusion with more toxic species.
Quick Check
- Odor: Farinaceous
- Fruiting: Spring to early summer
- Substrate: Grass, soil, and disturbed ground
Where to Find
Grasslands
Found in grassy areas, meadows, and along roadsides.
Woodlands
Grows in deciduous woodlands, especially under trees like oak and beech.
Gardens
Often found in disturbed soil areas such as gardens and cultivated land.
Finding Tips
Seasonal Timing
Look for these mushrooms in spring and early summer.
Soil Conditions
Check areas with rich, moist soil.
Disturbed Areas
Examine areas where grass is regularly mowed or disturbed.
Similar Species
Galerina marginata
Agaricales
Also known as: Funeral Bell
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Strophariaceae
- Genus
- Agrocybe
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 3 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if you do, dry them immediately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
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