Yellow Stainer

Agaricus xanthodermus

Family: Agaricaceae

Yellow Stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus)
Photo:Velella(CC BY-SA 3.0)View original source →

Overview

Looks like an edible Agaricus but base of stem flashes bright chrome-yellow when cut, and the flesh smells of phenol or library paste. Causes severe GI upset. Common in parks and gardens; most-confused North American and European garden Agaricus.

Edibility
Toxic
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
saprotrophic

Host trees & substrate

  • Local forest substrate

Key identification features

  • Bright chrome-yellow stain at stem base when cut
  • Phenolic / inky / library-paste smell
  • Otherwise white-capped, ring-bearing Agaricus

See live fruiting predictions for Yellow Stainer on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.