Leucoagaricus

Leucoagaricus is a genus of basidiomycete mushrooms in the family Agaricaceae. The genus comprises numerous species that produce gilled, saprotrophic mushrooms with white to pale cream fruit bodies. It is closely related to other genera such as Lepiota and Agaricus, and molecular studies support its distinction within Agaricaceae. Leucoagaricus species occur worldwide, with a concentration in temperate regions and habitats ranging from lawns and meadows to wood chips and forest litter.

Mushrooms in this genus typically have smooth to finely textured caps that are white or pale and range from convex to flat in maturity. The gills are usually white and free from the stalk, and the stalk itself may bear remnants of a partial veil or a ring zone. Spores are white to cream and smooth, a characteristic used in identification alongside microscopic features such as basidia and cystidia. Many species are visually similar to other small white mushrooms, which can complicate field identification.

Ecology and distribution: Leucoagaricus species are primarily saprotrophic, decomposing organic matter in various substrates, including decaying wood, leaf litter, and compost. They fruit in clusters or scattered groups, often after rains, and are described from Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions with suitable habitats.

Notable species and edibility: A well-known member is Leucoagaricus leucothites (formerly Agaricus leucothites). Edibility varies by species and can be uncertain; several Leucoagaricus species resemble other genera with toxic or unpalatable members. Foraging should be approached with caution, and positive identification by an expert is advised before consumption.