Mushroom Monday: Verdigris Agaric (Stropharia aeruginosa)

Mushroom Monday: Verdigris Agaric (Stropharia aeruginosa )

Verdigris Agaric, with its striking blue-green coloration, is a distinctive mushroom found in woodlands. This species belongs to the genus Stropharia and demonstrates the diverse colors that can occur in mushrooms.

Physical Characteristics

Cap

The cap measures 0.8 to 2.4 inches (20-60mm) across and starts convex before flattening with age. Young specimens display a remarkable blue-green color that fades to olivaceous or olive-brown with age. The surface becomes viscid when moist and features white scales that are particularly noticeable when young, becoming less prominent as the mushroom matures.

Gills

The gills are attached to the stem and are initially gray, becoming purple-brown as the spores mature. They are closely spaced and have whitish edges.

Stem

The stem measures 1.6 to 3.1 inches (40-80mm) tall and 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5-8mm) thick. It displays the same blue-green coloring as the cap, especially in young specimens, and features a distinct membranous ring zone. Below the ring, the stem is covered with white, woolly scales.

Habitat and Growth

This mushroom grows on woody debris and rich soil in both coniferous and deciduous forests. It can be found growing singly or in small groups, particularly in areas with decomposing wood material.

Seasonal Appearance

Verdigris Agaric appears from summer through fall, with fruiting bodies emerging when conditions provide adequate moisture.

Ecological Role

Stropharia aeruginosa acts as a decomposer, breaking down woody debris and contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. It plays a role in the decomposition of organic matter, particularly woody materials.

Distribution

This species is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, it is well-documented in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in British Columbia, where it occurs in forested areas with suitable substrate and moisture conditions.

If you found learning about Verdigris Agaric interesting, check out our other Mushroom Monday posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts. Check out our list of blog posts grouped by topic for more to read.

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