This species was originally noted and named in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus as Agaricus campestris. It was placed in the genus Psalliota by Lucien Quelet in 1872. Some variants have been isolated over the years, a few of which now have species status, for example, Agaricus bernardii Quel., Agaricus bisporus Imbach, Agaricus bitorquis Sacc., Agaricus cappellianus Hlavacek, and Agaricus silvicola Peck. Some were so similar they did not warrant even varietal status, while others have retained it. Agaricus campestris var. equestris Pilat is still valid. A. campestris var. isabellinus Pilat, and A. campestris var. radicatus, are possibly still valid too. The Latinspecific epithetcampestris means "of the fields". Common names given to the fungus include "meadow mushroom", "pink bottom", and "field mushroom". An analysis of ribosomal DNA of a limited number of members of the genus showed A. campestris to be an early offshoot in the genus and sister taxon to A. cupreobrunneus.
Description
The cap is white, may have fine scales, and is in diameter; it is first hemispherical in shape before flattening out with maturity. The gills are initially pink, then red-brown and finally a dark brown, as is the spore print. The tall stipe is predominantly white and bears a single thin ring. The taste is mild. The white flesh bruises a dingy reddish brown, as opposed to yellow in the inedible Agaricus xanthodermus and similar species. The thick-walled, elliptical sporesmeasure 5.5–8.0 μm by 4–5 μm. Cheilocystidia are absent.
Similar species
Several species may be confused with Agaricus campestris. Lepiota naucina, Amanita virosa and similar, closely related species, are morbidly toxic. Agaricus hondensis is toxic and Agaricus xanthodermus causes gastrointestinal problems. Agaricus arvensis, the horse mushroom, is an excellent edible. White Clitocybe species that also grow on lawns, and in grassy places may be dangerous to eat.
Distribution and habitat
Agaricus campestris is found in fields and grassy areas after rain from late summer onwards worldwide. It is often found on lawns in suburban areas. Appearing in small groups, in fairy rings, or solitary. Owing to the demise of horse-drawn vehicles, and the subsequent decrease in the number of horses on pasture, the old "white outs" of years gone by are becoming rare events. This species is rarely found in woodland. The mushroom has been reported from Asia, Europe, northern Africa, Australia , New Zealand, and North America.
Edibility
Although tasty and edible, this mushroom is not commercially cultivated on account of its fast maturing and short shelf-life. Culinary uses of the meadow mushroom include eating it sauteed or fried, in sauces, or even sliced raw and included in salads. In flavor and texture, this mushroom is similar to the white button mushroom available in grocery stores in the United States. Among the similar species mentioned above, there have been cases where the deadly toxic destroying angel has been consumed by individuals who mistook it for this species. The edibility of specimens collected from lawns is uncertain because of possible contamination with pesticides or other chemicals. It is nearly identical to the edible species Agaricus andrewii and A. solidipes.
Other uses
Research into fungal dressings for the treatment of ulcers, and bed sores, using fungal mycelial filaments, is ongoing. In the past, slices of A. campestris were applied to scalds and burns in parts of Scotland.
Bioactive properties
Water extracts of A. campestris have been shown to enhance the secretion of insulin, and to have insulin-like effects on glucose metabolismin vitro, although the mechanism is not understood.
