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Are these REDDENING LEPIOTA?


JasonS77

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The one thing I don't see that is a good indication of Leucoagaricus americanus (Reddening Lepiota) is the yellow staining on freshly cut flesh flesh in/on the stalk. Otherwise, the mushrooms seen here look like L. americanus. The shape of the stalk --thickest in the lower mid-section and tapered toward the base-- is a fairly distinctive trait for this species. It is possible to confuse this with the toxic "Green-spored Parasol", Chlorophyllum molybdites. Spore print color would settle any such doubt. Also, anyone who wishes to eat mushrooms from any of the species formerly lumped into Lepiota should be aware there are some dangerously toxic species that look somewhat like miniature L. americanus, white cap with darker scales. 

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Actually, the most important question is always... what is the ID? Until this is settled, edibility should not be discussed. I'm pretty sure these are Leucoagaricus americanus, but there's still a few details I'd like to see clarified. Jason, did you slice through the stem and then note any staining? Best to make a diagonal slice. Then observe the cut flesh for a few minutes.

Chlrophyllum rhacodes stains reddish on the cut stem flesh. This species is considered a decent edible, however some people are apparently allergic to it. There are reports of people getting sick from C. rhacodes (or possibly another species of "Shaggy Parasol"). It is fairly similar in appearance to L. americanus. The two features that best separate L. americanus from the red-staining Chlorophyllum species are the shape of the stalk and the yellow/saffron staining of the freshly cut flesh of L. americanus. 

A variety of different Amanita species stain reddish-brown (usually very slowly). Some of these species may be toxic. 

There are s few different species of red-staining Agaricus. I don't know of any of these being toxic. 

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I cut these stem horizontally just beneath the cap. It immediately turned red within a couple of seconds. They have all withered at the moment. The next time they grow, I will make a diagonal cut and observe. 

Thank you Dave for all the information. I really appreciate it.

 

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  • 5 years later...

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