Autumn Crocus vs Common Fieldcap

Colchicum autumnale compared with Agrocybe pediades

Taxonomic Classification

Rank Autumn Crocus Common Fieldcap
Kingdom Plantae (Plants) Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum Magnoliophyta (Flowering Plants) Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class Liliopsida (Monocots) Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order Liliales (Liliales) Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family Colchicaceae Strophariaceae
Genus Colchicum Agrocybe
Species Colchicum autumnale Agrocybe pediades

Conservation Status

Autumn Crocus

LC — Least Concern

Common Fieldcap

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute Autumn Crocus Common Fieldcap
Diet
Average Lifespan
Average Length
Average Weight

Habitat & Geographic Range

Autumn Crocus

Habitat

Typically found in grasslands, wetlands, forests, and cultivated landscapes.

Range

Widely distributed across Africa (Libya), Europe (7 countries), North America (United States), and Oceania and the Pacific (Australia).

Common Fieldcap

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Found across Europe (5 countries) and North America (United States).

Autumn Crocus

The Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a species in the genus Colchicum. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Typically found in grasslands, wetlands, forests, and cultivated landscapes.

Common Fieldcap

The Common Fieldcap (<em>Agrocybe pediades</em>) is a saprotrophic fungus belonging to the genus Agrocybe within the family Strophariaceae. It typically produces small, tan to pale brown cap-shaped fruiting bodies and is often found growing in clusters or scattered on lawns, grassy areas, forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil-rich ecosystems. The species typically inhabits forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems, obtaining nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. Its geographic range includes several European countries — Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — as well as the United States in North America. <em>Agrocybe pediades</em> is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its broad distribution and apparent stability. Biological traits of this species, including specific data on fruiting body size, lifespan, and ecological preferences, remain poorly documented in the scientific literature. Like other members of its genus, it typically fruits during warmer months and often appears after rainfall in nutrient-rich grassland and woodland habitats.

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