This guide applies to the Chicago Region and is not complete for other regions. Disclaimer

Guide to Agaricaceae

The gilled mushrooms in this family lack a universal veil, so no volva or warts are present. Most have a partial veil that often leaves a ring on the stem. Cap may be smooth, have hairs, or have scales. But cap does not have loose warts or patches. All gilled mushrooms in this family grow on the ground or on organic debris, such as mulch.

This family has been expanded, based on DNA evidence, to include the parasol mushrooms (Lepiotaceae), shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus), and certain gastroid fungi, such as the puffballs (Lycoperdaceae).

Guide to Genera
 GenusSpore print

Agaricus

Spore print dark brown to chocolate brown. Partial veil present, often leaving a ring on stem.

Melanophyllum

Spore print reddish or greenish when fresh, drying darker brown. Partial veil present, often leaving fragments on cap edge.

Coprinus (in the strict sense)

Spore print black. Partial veil present, often leaving small loose ring on lower stem. Large elongated cap with extremely crowded gills which turn salmon then black and inky.

Lepiota

Spore print white. Partial veil present, either leaving delicate ring on stem or cottony patches.

Leucocoprinus

Spore print white. Partial veil present, often leaving ring. Cap more egg-shaped before opening. Cap surface powdery or minutely scaly. Growing in compost or in greenhouses and potted plants.

Leucoagaricus

Spore print white. Partial veil present, leaving ring on stem. Cap smooth or scaly. Some species staining yellowish or reddish to brown.

Macrolepiota

Spore print white. Partial veil present, often leaving ring. Cap large and scaly. Stem covered in plush-like material which forms bands when the stem elongates.

Chlorophyllum

Spore print greenish or white. Partial veil present, leaving fringed ring. Cap large with tan to pale brown scales. Stem smooth, not with banding (though may crack in age). Stem staining reddish to orangish where scratched. Prefers growing in more disturbed and nutrient rich soils, thus common in urban areas. The secotioid (closed) species, C. agaricoides, has a cap that remains closed; the spores are greenish to yellowish brown under the microscope.

Langermannia

Giant puffball. Spore mass olive brown. Found on the ground in grassy areas and in woods.

Calvatia

Medium to large puffballs. Spore mass olive brown or purplish. Found on the ground in grassy areas and in woods.

Mycenastrum

Medium to large puffballs. Spore mass olive brown to dark brown to purplish brown. Found on the ground, prefers pastures.

Lycoperdon

Medium to small puffballs. Spore mass olive brown or purplish. Found on the ground or on wood in woodlands.

Bovista, Bovistella, and Disciseda

Tumbling puffballs. Medium to small round puffballs. Spore mass olive brown. Found on the ground in open areas and in woods.

Vascellum

Small puffballs. Spore mass olive brown. Found on the ground in grassy areas.