Death Cap vs Field Mushroom
Amanita phalloides and Agaricus campestris are confused for one another often enough to be worth putting next to each other.
The deadliest mushroom in the world — responsible for most fatal poisonings. Amatoxins destroy the liver, and symptoms are delayed 6–24 hours.
The classic meadow mushroom: pink gills darkening to chocolate brown, pleasant mushroomy smell, no yellow staining.
Side by side
| Amanita phalloides | Agaricus campestris | |
|---|---|---|
| In this game | Poisonous | Edible |
| Habitat | Broadleaf woodland, mycorrhizal with oak, beech and chestnut; also under planted oaks in parks. | Grazed pasture, meadows and lawns, away from trees. |
| Season | Late summer to late autumn. | Late summer to autumn. |
| Spore print | White. | Dark brown. |
The recorded spore prints differ: white for Amanita phalloides, 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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Amanita phalloides is also confused with Destroying Angel, Horse Mushroom and Charcoal Burner.
Agaricus campestris is also confused with Yellow Stainer, Livid Entoloma, Deadly Fibrecap, Deadly Dapperling and Horse Mushroom.
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