Common Fieldcap

Common Fieldcap Agrocybe pediades (Fr.) Fayod syn. A. semiorbicularis (Bull. ex St. Amans). (illustrated 65% life size) Cap 1–2cm across, hemispherical to flattened convex; ochraceous to tan. Stem 25–40×2–3mm; pallid, flushed with cap colour. Flesh ochraceous, darkening to tan towards stem base, smell mealy. Gills adnate, very broad; pale ochraceous at first, gradually becoming dark cinnamon with age. Spores 9–13×6.6–7.5¼, ovate. Spore print cigar-brown. Habitat in grass on lawns, roadsides, and sand dunes; late summer to autumn. Occasional. Edible. Note the new British checklist (2005) has followed Nauta (1987) in recognising only a single, rather variable species.