Agaricus dulcidulus
Rosy Wood Mushroom
Status:
Occasional.
Meaning 'from the country'.
Cap:
2-6cm
Stem:
2-5cm
From latin meaning 'sweet'
Description
This is another Agaricus which some specimens can be hard to identify in the field. Typically it is quite a small species to that of the Lilac Mushroom (Agaricus porphyrizon), with a much slender stem and smaller cap. The colour is more intense at the centre of the cap and becomes much paler (sometimes white) towards the margin of the cap. It does discolour yellow with age or when damaged. The stem is sometimes lilac above the ring and the ring itself is rather fragile.
Spores
4.5-6 x 3.5-4µ, smooth, broadly ellipsoid.
Smell
Quite strong, of anise or almonds.
Season
Autumn.
Habitat & Distribution
Found in mixed woodlands but also quite often on sand dunes. It has a scattered distribution across the UK.
Edibility
Unknown, possibly poisonous.
Spore Print Colour
Brown.
Confusion Species
The Lilac Mushroom (Agaricus porphyrizon) is similar, but on the whole the Rosy Wood Mushroom is smaller and has a slender stem, with a paler cap margin unlike the Lilac Mushroom. It also sometimes has a lilac tinge above the ring, which in itself is more fragile than that of the Lilac Mushroom.