Community find

Mower's Mushroom (Haymaker)

Panaeolus foenisecii

Group

gilled mushroom

Season

Late spring through autumn, appearing most frequently during warm, wet periods.

Habitat

Grows in grassy areas such as lawns, parks, and pastures. It is often found in nutrient-rich soils after rain.

Key characteristics

Small, conical to convex cap that is hygrophanous (changes color as it dries), usually dark brown to tan. The gills are mottled dark brown to black. The stem is thin, fibrous, and lacks a ring. Spore print is dark brown.

Look-alikes

Panaeolus cinctulus (which has a jet-black spore print) and various species of Panaeina or Mycena.

Ecological role

Saprophytic, breaking down organic matter in grass and soil to return nutrients to the ecosystem.