Field mushroom (Agaricus campestris)

Quick answers

Where to look?

Meadow, Field

When does it appear?

May — Oct

Active months: May, June, July, August, September, October.

How to recognize it? Three signs

Cap color: White, Cream
Cap shape: Convex, Flat
Smell: Pleasant, mushroomy, Anise

Fruiting season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

May – October

Description

The field mushroom (Agaricus campestris) is a wild relative of the cultivated button mushroom, widespread in meadows, pastures and fields of Eurasia and the Americas. It does not form mycorrhiza; instead, it breaks down organic matter in the soil.

It fruits from August to October, abundantly after rain, often in large fairy rings. It is considered one of the best wild edible mushrooms thanks to its firm flesh and pronounced flavor.

Edible raw, fried, boiled and pickled. It is important not to confuse it with poisonous amanitas (whose gills are white, not pink) or with poisonous Agaricus species that turn yellow when cut.

Cap

Cap 5–15 cm across, spherical in young mushrooms, then flat or slightly umbonate. The surface is white or slightly creamy and cracks in dry weather. Fibrous scales may appear as it matures. The margin is inrolled at first, then straight.

Hymenophore

Gills free (not reaching the stem), crowded, delicate pink at first, then bright pink, and chocolate-brown or blackish in mature mushrooms. The pink color of the gills is a key safety feature that distinguishes the field mushroom from poisonous species with white gills.

Stem

Stem 4–8 cm tall, 1–2 cm thick, cylindrical, solid, straight. White in color. A characteristic firm membranous ring in the middle of the stem. No volva.

Flesh

Flesh firm, white, turns slightly pink when cut or stays unchanged. It does not turn yellow (yellowing is a sign of poisonous species). The taste is pleasant and richly mushroomy.

Smell

Smell pronounced, anise-almond with mushroomy notes. This is one of the most aromatic wild mushrooms. With cooking the aroma intensifies and can dominate the dish.

Lookalikes

Agaricus xanthodermus

× Conditionally edible

Lepiota brunneoincarnata

Leucoagaricus leucothites

Fairy ring champignon

Marasmius oreades

× Edible

Agaricus subperonatus

× Edible

Agaricus squamuliferus

× Edible

Blushing wood mushroom

Mushrooms of the same genus and habitat — to study side by side and never mix up.

Agaricus abruptibulbus

Edible

Agaricus haemorrhoidarius

Agaricus haemorroidarius

Edible

Agaricus romagnesii

Edible

Inky mushroom

Agaricus placomyces

Poisonous

Macro mushroom

Agaricus crocodilinus

Edible

The prince

Agaricus augustus

Edible

Wood mushroom

Agaricus sylvicola

Edible

Common puffball

Lycoperdon perlatum

Edible

Frequently asked questions

Is Field mushroom edible or poisonous?

Field mushroom is edible. Before eating any wild mushroom, always double-check current information in reliable sources and consult an expert.

Does Field mushroom have gills or pores?

The spore-bearing surface (hymenophore) of Field mushroom: gilled.

What does the cap of Field mushroom look like?

Cap 5–15 cm across, spherical in young mushrooms, then flat or slightly umbonate. The surface is white or slightly creamy and cracks in dry weather. Fibrous scales may appear as it matures. The margin is inrolled at first, then straight.

What does the stem of Field mushroom look like?

Stem 4–8 cm tall, 1–2 cm thick, cylindrical, solid, straight. White in color. A characteristic firm membranous ring in the middle of the stem. No volva.

What do Field mushroom smell and taste like?

Smell pronounced, anise-almond with mushroomy notes. This is one of the most aromatic wild mushrooms. Taste: mild.

Where does Field mushroom grow?

Typical habitats: Meadow, Field.

When should you pick Field mushroom?

It fruits in: May, June, July, August, September, October.

What can Field mushroom be confused with?

Field mushroom can be mistaken for: Death cap, Yellow stainer, Horse mushroom, Button mushroom, Deadly fibrecap, Shield pinkgill, Ivory funnel, Fool's funnel, Deadly dapperling, Lepiota helveola, White dapperling, Destroying angel, Fairy ring champignon, Agaricus subperonatus, Agaricus squamuliferus, Blushing wood mushroom, Agaricus comtulus, Agaricus tabularis, Pavement mushroom, St George's mushroom. Study the distinguishing features carefully — detailed comparisons are in the “Lookalikes” section.

How do you cook Field mushroom?

Field mushroom can be fried, boiled, pickled and dried. Before cooking, it's recommended to boil it for 10–15 minutes and drain the water.

Can you dry Field mushroom?

Yes, Field mushroom is well suited to drying and freezing. Dried mushrooms keep their aroma and work well in soups, sauces and fillings.

What is the scientific name of Field mushroom?

The Latin name is Agaricus campestris. It belongs to the genus Agaricus, family Agaricaceae.

Field mushroomAgaricus campestris

Quick answers

Description