Wood Mushroom
Agaricus sylvicola
When bruised or scratched, its white cap slowly stains a delicate yellow and releases a distinct fragrance of almonds and anise.
- Scientific name
- Agaricus sylvicola
- Taxonomy
- Fungi › Basidiomycota › Agaricomycetes › Agaricales › Agaricaceae › Agaricus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous and coniferous woodland floors, growing in deep leaf litter and rich soil.
- Diet
- Saprotrophic decomposer (absorbs nutrients from decaying organic matter like leaf litter).
- Range
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Size
- Cap: 5 to 12 cm in diameter; Stem: 8 to 15 cm tall.
- Lifespan
- The underground mycelium can live for decades, while the visible mushroom cap lasts only 7 to 14 days.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Deforestation, soil compaction from heavy foot traffic, and severe drought.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to touch and observe. However, never consume wild mushrooms unless identified by an expert, as highly toxic lookalikes exist. If accidentally ingested and symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately.
Agaricus silvicola , also known as the wood mushroom , is a species of Agaricus mushroom related to the button mushroom.
Photo: Stanislav Krejčík, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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