Agrocybe cylindracea - Poplar Fieldcap

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Most other fieldcaps seem to know where the fields are, but the Poplar Fieldcap is a bit of a rebel and fruits on dead poplar stumps. Again, refusing to be tied by its common name, this rather infrequent find can sometimes be seen on willow in damp woods and coppices.

Although edible, this mushroom is not by any means noteworthy, and few fungiphiles seem to bother with it.

Note: In some field guides this mushroom is recorded in the family Bolbitiaceae.

Identification Guide

Cap	4 to10cm across, hemispherical becoming broadly convex or flat and with a wavy margin; in dry weather the surface often cracks; pale buff, flushed mid brown in centre and darkening with age.
Gills	Adnate or slightly decurrent; initially cream, turning grey-brown and later mid brown as spores mature.
Stem	5 to 10cm long and 1 to 1.5cm dia.; creamy white, turning brown with age; persistent, pendent ring.
Spore print	Tobacco-brown.
Odour/taste	Pleasant odour; nutty taste .
Habitat	In tufts on poplar and willow stumps and woodchip.
Season	July to October.
Occurrence	Uncommon.
Similar species	Agrocybe praecox, which also occurs in spring and early summer, often grows in grass or in woodchip mulch; it is typically smaller and usually has a darker cap.