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California agaricus

Agaricus californicus

A species of Agaricus

The california agaricus, found along portions of coastal California, is a toxic mushroom that is closely related to (and closely resembles) several sought-after, edible species, such as button mushrooms and white and brown field mushrooms. One distinguishing characteristic of california agaricus is that its flesh will begin to yellow when cut or bruised; unfortunately, this reaction is not always obvious. It is not deadly poisonous, but ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly chemical-like.

General Info About California agaricus

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Attributes of California agaricus

Cap Diameter

4 - 10 cm

Height

8 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 7 cm across; convex to broadly convex; white; surface bald; inrolled margin

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Free; close; whitish, dark brown

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 4 - 9 cm long, 1 - 1.5 cm thick; whitish; not bruising, or bruising slightly yellow

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Firm; white; unchanging when sliced, or becoming yellowish

Ring

Thick; felty; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Dark brown

Odor

Mildly chemical-like.

Body Color

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Wood Chips or Mulch

You can find California agaricus by these plants:

Norway spruce

Occurence Habitats

Meadows, Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify California agaricus

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of California agaricus

The Agaricus californicus grows in diverse habitats - it appears in both deciduous and coniferous forests, in lawns, gardens, and disturbed areas. It occasionally appears on well-decayed wood chips.

Scientific Classification of California agaricus

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Agaricus

Toxicity and Edibility of California agaricus

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Is California agaricus Toxic?

The california agaricus is a mildly poisonous mushroom. It contains chemical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people, including mild nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Similar Species to California agaricus

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Tips for Finding California agaricus

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for California agaricus

Prefers nutrient-rich, moist, and well-drained soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding California agaricus

Look for california agaricus in well-maintained grassy areas such as parks or gardens.
Search near oak trees or Monterey cypress as these are common association points.
Inspect areas that are irrigated or receive regular moisture, as california agaricus favors these conditions.
Check for gregarious clusters or arcs of mushrooms, which could indicate the presence of california agaricus.
Focus on broad, open grassy expanses where california agaricus has space to grow in numbers.