Taxonomy
This species was originally noted and named in 1753 byDescription
The cap is white, may have fine scales, and is in diameter; it is first hemispherical in shape before flattening out with maturity. The gills are initially pink, then red-brown and finally a dark brown, as is the spore print. The stipe is tall, 1–2 cm wide, predominantly white and bears a single thin ring. The taste is mild. The white flesh bruises a dingy reddish brown, as opposed to yellow in the poisonous '' Agaricus xanthodermus'' and similar species. The thick-walled, dark brown, elliptical spores measure 5.5–8 μm by 4–5 μm. Cheilocystidia are absent.Similar species
Several species may be confused with ''A. campestris''. The most dangerous confusion may be with the deadly '' Amanita virosa'' (one of the group colloquially called "destroying angel"), or with the deadly '' Amanita hygroscopica'' (the pink-gilled destroying angel). ''Amanita'' species may be distinguished from ''Agaricus'' by a volva at the base, remnants of a universal veil. Such a veil may also be seen surrounding adjacent smaller button mushrooms, if present. It's recommended to look for smaller sibling buttons nearby, and slice one of them lengthwise to examine their anatomy. They may also be distinguished by a white or off-white spore print while mushrooms in the family ''Agaricacea'' are dark brown. In the US, ''A. camp.'' may also be confused with the poisonous '' Agaricus californicus'' or '' A. hondensis''. White '' Clitocybe'' species that also grow in grassy places may be toxic. According to Moldenke, some authorities believed that the mandrakes referenced in Genesis and in Song of Solomon were not Mandragora Officinarum L, but instead might be Agaricus campestris L. A less serious, but more common, confusion is with '' Agaricus xanthodermus'' (the yellow stainer), which causes gastrointestinal problems in many people. '' A. arvensis'' (the horse mushroom) is very similar and is an excellent edible. It is nearly identical (except microscopically) to the edible species '' Agaricus andrewii'' and '' A. solidipes''.Distribution and habitat
''A. campestris'' is found in fields and grassy areas after rain from late summer onwards worldwide. It is often found on lawns in suburban areas, appearing in small groups, in fairy rings, or solitary. Owing to the demise of horse-drawn vehicles, and the subsequent decrease in the number of horses on pasture, the old "white outs" of years gone by are becoming rare events. This species is rarely found in woodland. The mushroom has been reported from Asia, Europe, northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.Uses
Although edible and choice, this mushroom is not commercially cultivated on account of its fast maturing and short shelf-life. Care is needed to distinguish it from poisonous species. There have been cases (notably in France) in which the deadly ''Amanita virosa'' was consumed by individuals who mistook it for this species. Additionally, specimens collected from lawns could be contaminated by pesticides or other chemicals. Culinary uses include eating it sauteed or fried, in sauces, or even sliced raw and included in salads. In flavor and texture, this mushroom is similar to the white button mushroom (''A. bisporus'') available in grocery stores in most Western countries.Other uses
Research into fungal dressings for the treatment of ulcers, and bed sores, using fungal mycelial filaments, is ongoing. In the past, slices of ''A. campestris'' were applied to scalds and burns in parts of Scotland.Bioactive properties
Water extracts of ''A. campestris'' have been shown to enhance the secretion ofSee also
* List of ''Agaricus'' speciesGallery
References
External links