Distribution: Widely distributed

Habitat: Usually found in the north temperate zone in disturbed areas of forests, such as along roadsides.

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Edibility: It is said to be edible for most people but to cause digestive upset in some.

It is said to be edible for most people but to cause digestive upset in some.

If there was a prize for easiest mushroom to identify, Phaeolepiota aurea certainly would be a contender. Its large size, golden color, powdery surface, skirt-like ring, brown spores, and tendency to grow in large groups are distinctive. When found it is often present in large numbers.