Garden Muffins

Day 215: "Oh, look! Muffins!" That's what I said on my way back from the mailbox when I noticed these textbook specimens of Agrocybe praecox outlined against the juniper. According to "Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest," this species commonly occurs where bark chips or mulch has been laid down. Yep, that fits the profile! The cracked cap is typical of the genus and indeed there are some look-alikes which can be separated out by the presence/absence of an annulus (ring), remnants of a veil, preferred substrate, variations in colour, striations on the stipe and, if push comes to shove, microscopic examination and measurement of the spores. Purportedly edible, A. praecox is said to have a bitter taste. Thank you, I'll give the muffins a pass.