Habitat
This species is found on hard-packed, nutrient-poor, or sandy soil, particularly in gardens, lawns, agricultural areas, and near roads and paths. It is known for its ability to push through hard surfaces like asphalt, tarmac, and paved driveways. Often found in urban environments, it frequently grows partially or completely underground, erupting through the surface in large groups, clusters, or rows.
Photos
Appearance
- Cap
- 4–20 cm wide, convex to flattened or slightly depressed; white to off-white, sometimes with ochraceous flakes, broad scales, or cracked surfaces; often appearing dirty due to soil particles.
- Stem
- 3–10 cm long, stout and robust; white, often tapering at the base; characterized by a persistent double ring, with the lower ring being thinner and resembling a volva.
- Gills
- Free and very crowded; initially pale pink, maturing to clay and finally dark chocolate-brown.
- Flesh
- White, thick, and notably hard or firm; slowly bruises or stains faintly pinkish-red or brownish when cut.
- Spore print
- Dark brown.
- Smell and Taste
- Pleasant, mild, and mushroomy, sometimes with a faint almond or earthy scent.
Sporecast is better in the app
Plan ahead with 10-day forecasts, see what people are finding nearby, get photo IDs, and track your finds.
Edibility
This mushroom has firm, hard flesh with a pleasant flavor described as mushroomy, earthy, or reminiscent of almonds. While it is a choice edible, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. Because it often grows in hard-packed soil or through asphalt, the cap is frequently dirty and requires careful washing. Avoid any similar specimens that stain yellow and smell of phenol, or those that match the description of Agaricus placomyces.
Misidentification can be fatal. Never eat a mushroom unless you're 100% sure. This information may be inaccurate. Always consult multiple sources.
Nutrient Source
SaprotrophicIt obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter in the environment.
Common Names
- Basque
- azpibeltz eraztunbiko
- Catalan
- camperol
- Danish
- Vej-champignon
- Dutch
- Straatchampignon
- English
- Pavement Mushroom
- Finnish
- puistoherkkusieni
- French
- Agaric des trottoirs, Psalliote des trottoirs
- German
- Stadt-Champignon
- Norwegian Bokmål
- bysjampinjong
- Norwegian Nynorsk
- bysjampinjong
- Spanish
- agárico bianillado, champiñón de doble anillo
- Swedish
- vit parkchampinjon, Vägchampinjon
- Welsh
- Madarch Palmentydd
Synonyms
- Agaricus edulis
- Agaricus edulis
- Agaricus edulis
- Agaricus edulis
- Agaricus haynaldii
- Agaricus rodmanii
- Chitonia pecquinii
- Fungus bitorquis
- Fungus rodmanii
- Pratella bitorquis
- Pratella peronata
- Psalliota bitorquis
- Psalliota edulis
- Psalliota edulis
- Psalliota edulis
- Psalliota peronata
- Psalliota rodmanii