Wood Mushroom - Agaricus sylvicola

With a noticeable aniseed smell and a smooth cap that slowly colours ochre when bruised, Agaricus silvicola is quite easily distinguished from the other large mushrooms in the family Agaricaceae. Cap diameter when fully developed ranges from 6 to 14 cm - it is white and convex when young, flattening out completely with maturity. The stem has a white and persistent membranous ring.

In all kinds of woodland

August to November

Often found in loose groups.

Fairly frequent and widespread in southern Britain, less well recorded further north.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.