in fields and grassy areas after rain from late summer onwards worldwide. It is often found on lawns in suburban areas, appearing in small groups, in fairy rings, or solitary. Owing to the demise of horse-drawn vehicles, and the subsequent decrease in the number of horses on pasture, the old "white outs" of years gone by are becoming rare events. This species is rarely found in woodland. The mushroom has been reported from Asia, Europe, northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Edibility Although edible and choice, this mushroom is not commercially cultivated on account of its fast maturing and short shelf-life. Culinary uses of the meadow mushroom include eating it sauteed or fried, in sauces, or even sliced raw and included in salads. In flavor and texture, this mushroom is similar to the white button mushroom available in grocery stores in most Western countries. Among the similar species mentioned above, there have been cases (in fact the most common cause of fatal fungus poisoning in France) where the deadly toxic destroying angel (Amanita virosa) has been consumed by individuals who mistook it for this species. The edibility of specimens collected from lawns is uncertain because of possible contamination with pesticides or other chemicals. It is nearly identical (except microscopically) to the edible species Agaricus andrewii and A. solidipes. Other uses Research into fungal dressings for the treatment of ulcers, and bed sores, using fungal mycelial filaments, is ongoing. In the past, slices of A. campestris were applied to scalds and burns in parts of Scotland. Bioactive properties Water extracts of A. campestris have been shown to enhance the secretion of insulin, and to have insulin-like effects on glucose metabolism in vitro, although the mechanism is not understood. See also List of Agaricus species Gallery References External links Agaricus campestris in the "Checklist of the British & Irish Basidiomycota" Agaricus spp in "Mushroom-Collecting.com" Agaricus campestris in "MushroomExpert.com" campestris Edible fungi Fungi described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Fungi of Africa Fungi of Asia Fungi of Australia Fungi of Europe Fungi of New Zealand Fungi of North America