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Agaricus silvicola
Agaricus silvicola, also known as the wood mushroom or woodland agaricus,[1] is a species of Agaricus mushroom related to the button mushroom. A. silvicola is a member of Agaricus section Arvenses, a group of morphologically similar mushrooms.[2] A. silvicola, like other species in Agaricus section Arvenses, exhibits a positive Schäffer's reaction and potassium hydroxide reaction, and smells of almonds or anise.[3] TaxonomyOriginally described as the variety Agaricus campestris var. silvicola by Carlo Vittadini in 1832, it was promoted to distinct species status by Charles Horton Peck in 1873.[4] Varieties with larger bases have been described as A. abruptibulbus.[5] DescriptionThe cap is light cream, and bruises yellow ochre when damaged. It is 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter, which makes it slightly smaller than its close relative Agaricus arvensis, the "horse mushroom". The stem is 5–15 cm (2–6 in), and usually has a bulbous base.[6] It is much the same color as the cap, and has a fragile drooping ring. The flesh is thin and white, and smells of almond or anise.[7] The spores are brown, elliptical, and smooth.[6] Similar speciesIt looks fairly similar to a young death cap (Amanita phalloides).[8] There are also numerous similar Agaricus species:
Distribution and habitatAgaricus silvicola grows in both deciduous and coniferous woodland in Britain, Europe, and North America.[9] It has also been reported in South Asia, namely Bangladesh[10] and Pakistan.[11] Appearing in the autumn, it is rarely seen in huge numbers, usually just a few, or solitary.[7] EdibilityIt is edible and popular in Europe.[12][13] It is suspected to have caused occasional adverse reactions in North America.[8] See alsoReferences
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