Blushing Wood Mushroom

Habitat

This species is found growing on the ground in forested environments. It is most commonly associated with coniferous woods, but it also inhabits mixed and broad-leaved woodlands. It typically grows singly, in scattered clusters, or in small groups, sometimes appearing with the stem deeply inserted into the soil.

Photos

Appearance

Cap

Measuring 5–10 cm across, it transitions from spherical or convex to flattened, sometimes with a broad central bump. The surface is dry and covered in distinctive reddish-brown to dark brown fibrous scales over a white or tan background; the surface bruises red.

Stem

Reaching up to 10 cm tall and fairly slender, it is often equal in width or has a bulbous base. It is white but turns reddish or grayish when handled or cut; the surface is smooth to finely scaly below a high, persistent, membranous ring.

Gills

Crowded and free from the stem, they begin as rose-pink or pale pinkish-gray before maturing to dark chocolate brown. They have irregular whitish edges and bruise reddish when touched.

Flesh

Firm and white, it characteristically stains bright red, salmon, or reddish-brown almost immediately upon being cut or exposed to air, particularly at the top of the stem.

Spore print

Dark chocolate brown.

Edibility

While considered edible, some individuals may experience gastric distress from consuming mushrooms in the Agaricus sylvaticus group. It is recommended to test a small portion first, and any specimens smelling of iodine should be avoided as they may cause illness and have an unpleasant flavor. This species shares the characteristic of rapidly staining red when cut with several other Agaricus species and may be confused with the Amanita rubescens group.

Nutrient Source

It obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and wood, in its environment.

Common Names

Basque

azpibeltz odoltsu, basoetako azpibeltz

Catalan

rubiol de sang

Danish

Lille blod-champignon

Dutch

Schubbige boschampignon

English

Scaly Wood Mushroom, Red Staining Mushroom, Pinew, Blushing Wood Mushroom

Finnish

tapionherkkusieni

French

Psalliote des forêts, Psalliote des bois, Agaric des forêts, Psalliote sanguinolent, Agaric sanguinolent

German

Wald-Champignon

Norwegian Bokmål

blodsjampinjong

Norwegian Nynorsk

blodsjampinjong

Spanish

agárico sanguinolento, champiñón de bosque

Swedish

Skogschampinjon

Ukrainian

Печериця темно-червона

Welsh

Madarch Gwridog y Coed

Synonyms

• Agaricus amethystina
• Agaricus haemarrhoidarius
• Agaricus haemorrhoidarius
• Agaricus sanguinarius
• Agaricus silvaticus
• Agaricus sylvaticus — Blushing Wood Mushroom
• Agaricus vinosobrunneus
• Fungus amethystinus
• Fungus haemorrhoidarius
• Fungus sanguinarius
• Fungus sylvaticus
• Pratella amethystina
• Pratella haemorrhoidaria
• Pratella sylvatica
• Psalliota amethystina
• Psalliota haemorrhoidaria
• Psalliota haemorrhoidaria
• Psalliota sanguinaria
• Psalliota silvatica
• Psalliota sylvatica