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Stropharia aeruginosa, commonly known as the Verdigris Agaric, is a small to medium-sized mushroom characterized by its distinctive bluish-green to greenish cap and sticky surface. It is often found in grassy areas, woodlands, and disturbed ground. While not considered highly toxic, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 2-8 cm in diameter, initially convex, becoming more flattened with age. The color is usually bluish-green to greenish, often fading to yellowish-green or brownish with age. The surface is smooth and sticky, especially when moist.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to adnexed, closely spaced, and initially whitish to grayish, becoming purplish-brown as the spores mature.
- Stem
- The stem is 3-7 cm long and 0.5-1 cm thick, cylindrical, and often has a fragile, superior ring that may disappear with age. The stem is whitish to greenish, sometimes with brownish stains.
- Flesh
- The flesh is whitish to greenish, sometimes bruising slightly brownish when cut.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Stropharia aeruginosa is a mushroom with a distinct cap and stem.
- Habitat
- Stropharia aeruginosa is found in grassy areas, woodlands, gardens, and disturbed ground. It often grows on decaying organic matter.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Purplish-brown
- Body color: Bluish-green to greenish, fading to yellowish-green or brownish
- Odor: Mild, fungal
- Flesh bruises: Slightly brownish
- Height: 3-7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-8 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Toxic
Mild ToxicityStropharia aeruginosa is considered mildly toxic. It can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, fungal odor
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Decaying organic matter, grass
Where to Find
Europe
Common throughout Europe, particularly in grassy areas and woodlands.
North America
Found in some regions of North America, especially in areas with similar habitats to Europe.
Finding Tips
Look in Grassy Areas
Search in grassy fields, lawns, and meadows, especially after rain.
Check Woodlands
Examine woodland edges and clearings for the mushroom.
Inspect Disturbed Ground
Look in gardens, parks, and other areas with disturbed soil and decaying organic matter.
Similar Species
Stropharia caerulea
mushroom
Also known as: Blue Roundhead
Psilocybe cyanescens
mushroom
Also known as: Wavy Caps
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Strophariaceae
- Genus
- Stropharia
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