14 



CIRCULAR 14 3, IT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is 2 to 4 inches long and 3 to 5 

 lines thick. 



This mushroom is of wide geographic distribution and grows singly or in 

 clusters, often at the base of stumps, sometimes on sawdust piles, and again 

 on grassy lawns. The plants are white when young, with the exception of 

 the umbo and the scales, but in drying become smoky red. They are sometimes 

 erect but frequently more or less ascending. Lepiota americana may be easily 

 recognized by the peculiarity of turning red when bruised or old. 



ARMILLARIA 



Armillaria is another white-spored genus having a ring and no 

 volva. The gills are attached to the stem and are sinuate or more 

 or less decurrent. The substance of the stem and cap is continuous 

 and firm. This genus may be distinguished from Amanita and 



Lepiota by the con- 

 tinuity of the sub- 

 stance of the stem 

 and cap, and it is 

 further differentiated 

 from Amanita by the 

 absence of a volva. 

 Armillaria mnellea is 

 a common edible 

 species. 



ARMILLARIA M E L L E A. 

 HONEY-COLORED MUSH- 

 ROOM. (EDIBLE) 



(Fig. 12) 



In Armillaria mellea 

 the cap is oval to convex 

 and expanded, sometimes 

 with, a slight elevation, 

 smooth, or adorned with 

 small pointed dark-brown 

 or blackish scales, espe- 

 cially in the center, 

 honey color to dull red- 

 dish brown, margin even or somewhat striate when old ; the gills are adnate or 

 decurrent, white or whitish, sometimes with reddish-brown spots ; the stem is 

 elastic, spongy, sometimes hollow, smooth or scaly, generally whitish, sometimes 

 gray or yellow above the ring, below reddish brown. 



The cap is 1% to 6 inches broad; the stem is 2 to 6 inches long and one-half 

 to three-fourths inch thick. 



The species is extremely common and variable. It grows in large clusters 

 about the base of rotten stumps and is often a serious parasite of fruit and 

 shade trees. Both ring and stem are subject to marked variations. The 

 former may be thick or thin or entirely absent, and the latter uniform in 

 diameter or bulbous. The species is edible, though not especially tender or 

 highly flavored. 



On account of the great variation in color, surface of the cap, and shape 

 of the stem, several forms of Armillaria mellea have been given varietal dis- 

 tinction. The following varieties as distinguished by Peck may be of assistance 

 to the amateur : 



Armillaria mellea var. flava, with yellow or reddish yellow cap. 

 Armillaria mellea var. radicata, with a tapering root. 

 Armillaria mellea var. albida, with white or whitish cap. 



Figure 12. — Armillaria mellea. (Edible) 



