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yellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus)
Agaricus xanthodermus looks very similar to edible Agaricus species, but immediately yellows chrome when rubbed and smells of ink or phenol. It grows in gardens, parks and forests.
Scientific name: Agaricus xanthodermus
Features
The cap is 5 to 15 cm wide, white to grey-white, young often trapezoidal with flattened apex. The gills are young pale pink, then chocolate brown. The stem is white with a large, hanging ring and a bulbous base, the flesh of which turns bright chrome yellow in the cut. A volva is missing. It smells unpleasantly of carbolic, ink or phenol, especially when rubbing the stem base or when heating. The flesh is white and immediately yellows intensely chrome yellow on the cap edge and stem base. Chocolate brown
Habitat
No fixed tree partner; Gardens, parks, meadows, forests.. Nutrient-rich soils.. Especially deeper layers.
Season
Summer to autumn.
Weather and fruiting
Toxic: base yellows strongly, carbolic/ink smell. Never confuse with field mushrooms.
Lookalike risk
Horse mushroom: It smells like anise, yellows evenly weaker and not stronger in the stem base. Field mushroom: Its flesh reddens easily and does not yellow. European destroying angel: It has all-white gills and a volva.
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FAQ
What does the map show?
Weather-based foraging chances, not a guarantee that fruit bodies stand at the pin.
Can I eat this mushroom?
No page replaces identification. If unsure, leave it or ask an expert.
Yellow-stainer: is it edible?
No, it is poisonous. Most common cause of fungal poisoning in some regions; always rub on the cap edge and cut the stem base.
Yellow-stainer: when and where does it grow?
In central Europe the season runs May to October. Habitat: No fixed tree partner; Gardens, parks, meadows, forests.
Yellow-stainer: what are the lookalikes?
The most important distinction is from European destroying angel (Amanita virosa, deadly poisonous): It has all-white gills and a volva. Other lookalikes: Horse mushroom, Field mushroom.
When is a trip worth it?
Toxic: base yellows strongly, carbolic/ink smell. Never confuse with field mushrooms.