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
Agaricus sylvaticus
★★★★★
Very good edible mushroom
Important characteristics and habitat must be compared when identifying the species.
Read more about Wood 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
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.
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
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken/Artfakta
Checked batch 08 – factual text compiled against