About this fungus
Cultivated Mushroom is a fungus in the Agaricaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A compact white or brown mushroom whose crowded gills mature from pink to chocolate-brown.
What to check
Confirm free gills, a dark brown spore print, a ring and no cup or volva at the stem base.
Variation
Cultivated strains range from white buttons to mature brown portobellos. Wild forms are usually brownish and scaly.
Lookalikes
Yellow-staining Agaricus can smell phenolic or inky. Young Amanita may have white gills and a buried volva, and can be deadly.
Habitat and range
A decomposer of rich soil and organic matter. It is cultivated globally and can also occur in grassland and disturbed ground.
Food safety
Edible, with caution.
Never munch on a hunch
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.