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Mushroom Monday: The Lawnmower’s Mushroom (Panaeolus foenisecii)
Today’s Monday Mushroom mushroom is Panaeolus foenisecii, the lawnmower’s mushroom. Learn about this common lawn mushroom in today’s TrueTreeTalk post.
Where Can The Lawnmower’s Mushroom be Found?
As the name suggests, Panaeolus foenisecii can be found in lawns. They can also be found in other grassy areas like meadows and golf courses. They can be more abundant in places that are frequently mowed – a fact that contributes to their common name.
They are common throughout North America, though they may be less abundant in southeastern U.S. states. They are persistent in lawns and can be found alone or in groups during all four seasons depending on location.
What are Some Identifying Features of The Lawnmower’s Mushroom?
There are a few features that can help in identifying this mushroom.
- They are small and grow in grass.
- They lack a ring or a partial veil.
- The cap dries as it ages and changes color.
- The print of the spores has a brownish/purplish color.
What Does The Cap of The Lawnmower’s Mushroom Look Like?
The cap has a cone or a bell shape and is around 0.40 to 1.40 inches across. It starts off with a dark shade of brown and then becomes lighter as it ages, sometimes developing different color bands. As the cap ages, it flattens and can split, with the margins developing fine lines. The surface is smooth and can have some faint wrinkles, and it can crack if the weather is dry.
What do the Gills of The Lawnmower’s Mushroom Look Like?
The gills start with a gray/brown color and darken as they age. They can have a multicolor appearance and the edges can be pale. The gills are broadly spaced and are attached to the stem, though they are frequently short. Their edges can have grooves.
What does the Stem of The Lawnmower’s Mushroom Look Like?
The stem ranges in height from around 2.3 inches to 4 inches. It generally has the same width along its length and is hollow and fragile. There can be white mycelium at the base.
What Relationship Does The Lawnmower’s Mushroom Have With Plants?
The lawnmower’s mushroom is saprophytic, meaning it consumes dead and decaying organic matter. It doesn’t have a direct relationship with trees, and is instead associated with grass.
If you found learning about The Lawnmower’s Mushroom interesting, check out our other posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog, including our Mushroom Monday posts. 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. Also, follow us on LinkedIn for industry-related posts.
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