MushieYellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus)
Poisonous
The yellow stainer looks like an edible field mushroom but stains bright yellow at the stem base and smells of ink or disinfectant. It is poisonous.
| Scientific name | Agaricus xanthodermus |
|---|---|
| Other names | Karbol-Champignon · Agaric jaunissant · Prataiolo giallo |
| Family | Agaricaceae |
| Season | Jun – Nov |
| Habitat | Grass, parks, gardens and mixed woods |
| Range | Europe, North America and Asia |
| Spore print | Dark brown |
| Smell | Like ink, hospital disinfectant or phenol (strongest when cooked) |
How to identify Yellow stainer
| Cap | White to greyish, 5–15 cm, smooth, often squarish in profile |
|---|---|
| Underside | Pink then chocolate-brown gills |
| Stem | White, bulbous base that turns chrome-yellow when cut or scratched |
| Smell | Like ink, hospital disinfectant or phenol (strongest when cooked) |
| Spore print | Dark brown |
Is Yellow stainer edible or poisonous?
Poisonous. Causes gastrointestinal upset in many people. Often confused with edible field mushrooms.
Yellow stainer look-alikes
Field mushrooms never turn yellow at the stem base.
When does Yellow stainer grow?
Yellow stainer is typically found Jun – Nov in grass, parks, gardens and mixed woods. See other mushrooms in season:
Frequently asked questions
Is Yellow stainer edible?
No. Yellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus) is poisonous. Causes gastrointestinal upset in many people. Often confused with edible field mushrooms. Do not eat it.
What does Yellow stainer look like?
White to greyish, 5–15 cm, smooth, often squarish in profile. Underside: pink then chocolate-brown gills. Stem: white, bulbous base that turns chrome-yellow when cut or scratched.
What are the look-alikes of Yellow stainer?
The main look-alike is Field mushroom (Agaricus campestris). Field mushrooms never turn yellow at the stem base.
When and where does Yellow stainer grow?
Yellow stainer is usually found from Jun to Nov. Habitat: grass, parks, gardens and mixed woods. Range: Europe, North America and Asia.
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Related species
Sources and credits: written from standard field-guide references. Further reading: Wikipedia: Agaricus xanthodermus. Last updated 2026-10-22. Editorial policy.