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Field Mushroom / Meadow Mushroom

Agaricus campestris

Group

gilled mushroom

Season

Late summer to autumn, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall.

Habitat

Grows primarily in grassy areas such as lawns, pastures, and parks; often found in fairy rings. It is not associated with trees (non-mycorrhizal).

Key characteristics

Convex to flat white cap, often with a slightly fibrous texture. Free-standing, crowded gills that turn from pink to a deep chocolate-brown as the mushroom matures. Squat white stem with a delicate, often transient ring (annulus). Dark brown spore print.

Look-alikes

Agaricus xanthodermus (Yellow Stainer), which stains bright yellow when bruised and smells of phenol/ink; and various white Amanita species which have white gills and a volva at the base.

Ecological role

Saprophytic: it obtains nutrients by breaking down organic matter in the soil and grass.