Horse Mushroom - Agaricus arvensis

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Description

It can be recognised by the large, whitish cap up to 15 cm across, usually yellowing on the surface, the well-developed ring with cog-wheel like scales on the underside, the presence of dark spores when mature, and a pleasant aniseed like odour. The flesh usually stains yellow when cut or bruised.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Grassland and other grassy places, fields and parks, on nutrient-rich soil.

When to see it

Late summer through autumn.

Life History

Sometimes grows in groups.

UK Status

A widespread and fairly common species in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

  • David Nicholls
    Ratby Burroughs
    17 November 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Ratby Burroughs
    24 November 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Ratby Burroughs
    17 November 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Ratby Burroughs
    24 November 2011
  • Saharima Roenisch
    Leicester Spinney Hill Park
    26 August 2020
  • Lostash
    Whetstone Fields
    18 August 2013
  • Peter Smith
    Abbey Park
    11 August 2017

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Common names
Horse Mushroom
Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Agaricales
Family:
Agaricaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
12
First record:
17/11/2011 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
19/11/2023 (Hollingworth, Jane)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

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Latest images

Latest records

  • Saharima Roenisch
    Leicester Abbey Park
    21 July 2019
  • Saharima Roenisch
    Leicester Spinney Hill Park
    26 August 2020
  • Saharima Roenisch
    Leicester Abbey Park
    21 July 2019
  • Peter Smith
    Cropston
    13 August 2017
  • Melinda Bell
    Breedon Hill SSSI
    31 December 2018
  • Saharima Roenisch
    Abbey Park
    10 July 2017
  • Lostash
    Whetstone Station Street Footpath
    30 August 2015
  • Bob Sheridan
    Langham field
    03 August 2016
  • Saharima Roenisch
    Leicester Abbey Park
    21 July 2019