Horse Mushroom vs Field Mushroom
Agaricus arvensis and Agaricus campestris are confused for one another often enough to be worth putting next to each other.
Large meadow Agaricus smelling of aniseed. Distinguished from the Yellow Stainer by that pleasant smell.
The classic meadow mushroom: pink gills darkening to chocolate brown, pleasant mushroomy smell, no yellow staining.
Side by side
| Agaricus arvensis | Agaricus campestris | |
|---|---|---|
| In this game | Edible | Edible |
| Habitat | Pasture, meadows, verges and lawns, often near nettles. | Grazed pasture, meadows and lawns, away from trees. |
| Season | Summer to autumn. | Late summer to autumn. |
| Spore print | Chocolate-brown. | Dark brown. |
The recorded spore prints differ: chocolate-brown for Agaricus arvensis, dark brown for Agaricus campestris. That is one documented difference, not a test you can pass.
This comparison cannot make a mushroom safe to eat. It sets out the few characteristics this game records, in general terms, for two species that vary by region, age and growing conditions. Real specimens overlap in ways no table and no photograph can separate, and the deadly one here is deadly in a single meal. Ask a qualified local expert, every time.
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Agaricus arvensis is also confused with Yellow Stainer, Death Cap, Destroying Angel and Livid Entoloma.
Agaricus campestris is also confused with Yellow Stainer, Death Cap, Livid Entoloma, Deadly Fibrecap and Deadly Dapperling.
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