Agrocybe aegerita

Photos By: David Lewis

Photos By: Chris Matherly

Agrocybe aegerita ( Black Poplar Mushroom): It is said to have antifungal antibiotic compounds in it.  It was probably one of the first mushrooms to be cultivated by man.  It is a subtropical species, but occasionally grows wild here in TN.  They are delicious and fruit abundantly, if you are lucky enough to find a tree that has them on it.  They fruit in the summers months.  Both times I have found them, they were on maples, but should occur on poplar or any in that family of trees.  Uncommon, but an excellent edible. Top photos were taken in Tennessee, bottom photos in Jasper County, Georgia.