Agaricus haemorrhoidariusAgaricus haemorroidarius

The cap of Agaricus haemorroidarius reaches 5 to 10 centimeters across. When young it is hemispherical, opening out with age to convex and flat. The surface is covered with numerous flattened, fibrous scales of dark brown, reddish-brown color on a paler background, radiating from a darker center. The scaly, reddish-brown cap is a characteristic feature of the species.

The hymenophore is gilled. The gills are free, not attached to the stem, and very crowded. Their color changes with age: in young mushrooms they are pale pink or grayish-pink, later darkening to chocolate brown and almost black. The spore print is dark brown. The pinkish young gills set Agaricus apart from the white-gilled poisonous amanitas.

The stem is cylindrical, white, 5 to 10 centimeters tall, with a slightly thickened base. In the upper part there is a prominent hanging ring — a trace of the veil. When cut, the stem flesh, like the cap, quickly turns red. There is no volva at the base — an important difference from the poisonous amanitas.

The flesh is white and, when cut, turns red quickly and vividly, taking on a blood-red tint, especially at the base of the stem — hence the name. The taste is mild and pleasant, with no bitterness and a light mushroomy note. The vivid reddening (not yellowing) is a useful feature that distinguishes this species from the poisonous yellow stainer.

The smell is pleasant, mushroomy, with no sharp notes. But if the mushroom smells of ink or carbolic, and the flesh turns yellow (not red) when cut, it is the poisonous yellow stainer, and you must not pick it.