Twelve edible mushrooms of the United States/Marasmius oreades

by Thomas Taylor

Marasmius oreades, "Fairy Ring Champignon"

Figure 3, illustrating a specimen of Marasmius oreades (from original text).

This mushroom (Marasmius oreades) is represented by all mycologists as one of the most highly flavored. It grows in rings in short pastures, on downs, and by road sides, but never in woods. It is very well marked, somewhat tough, the solid stem particularly so. In color it is a bright buff. The gills are wide apart and are of a cream color. When dried it can be kept for years without losing its flavor. "It is much used in the French a la mode beef shops in London, with the view of flavoring that dish." Dr. Badham, Eev. M. J. Berkeley, and Mr. Worthington G. Smith, of England, highly recommend the Fairy Ring Champignon, and it is said by experts in the culinary art that, when boiled with butter, it has an exquisitely rich and delicious flavor. Mr. Berkeley says it is so common in some districts in England that bushels may be gathered in a day.

Another species of this genus (M. peronatus, or Hairy Foot), found growing in woods, on dead leaves, is to be avoided. The gills of this species are darker in color and narrower. It has a hairy down at the base of the stem by which it may also be distinguished.