Nordic mushrooms – get to know the species
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Yellow-staining Mushroom

Yellow-staining Mushroom

Agaricus xanthodermus
Poisonous

How to identify it

Cap
The cap is white to grey-white, smooth and often brownish in the centre. It may turn yellow when touched.
Underside
The gills are pale pink at first and later chocolate brown as the spores mature.
Stem
The stem is white and has a ring. The base may turn distinctly yellow when damaged or rubbed.
Smell
It can smell of ink, phenol or chemicals, especially when heated.

Occurrence and habitat

It often grows in grassland, parks, gardens and other nutrient-rich ground.

Look-alike species

These mushrooms can resemble Yellow-staining Mushroom. Look closely at features, habitat and images to see the differences.

Wood mushroom
Wood mushroom
Agaricus sylvaticus
★★★★★
Very good edible mushroom

Important characteristics and habitat must be compared when identifying the species.

Read more about Wood mushroom ›
Roadside mushroom
Roadside mushroom
Agaricus bitorquis
★★★★★
Good edible mushroom

Important characteristics and habitat must be compared when identifying the species.

Read more about Roadside mushroom ›
White horse mushroom
White horse mushroom
Agaricus augustus
★★★★★
Very good edible mushroom

Important characteristics and habitat must be compared when identifying the species.

Read more about White horse mushroom ›

Preparation

Must not be eaten. Confusion with white edible Agaricus species is the main safety risk.

Recipe suggestions

No dish is recommended.

Images – study the mushroom from several angles

Click an image to display it as the main image.

⚠ Important safety information

Yellow-staining Mushroom can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Yellowing, especially at the stem base, and the chemical smell are important warning signs, but smell alone should never be used as the sole identification method.

Facts and sources

Sources
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken/Artfakta
Checked batch 08 – factual text compiled against