Early Fruitings that Don't Require Rain

Agaricus augustus, the Prince, fruits in the summer and early fall. A. augustus is related to the common button (and cremini and porcini) mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, found at the market, but with a sweeter almond/anise aroma and taste. This usually is a large mushroom, reaching dinner plate size.

• The cap is a light tan overlaid with darker fibrils.

• The flesh of the cap stains a deep yellow when bruised and smells of almond/anise.

• The gills are pallid when young turning through pink to chocolate brown in age.

• The stem is about as long as the cap is broad, with a skirt-like annulus. The surface of the stem below the annulus is shaggy.

Agaricus augustus. © tovyawager (CC-BY-CC) (from inaturalist.org, ID 359437814)

Agaricus augustus cap. © tovyawager (CC-BY-CC) (from inaturalist.org, ID 359437814)

Agaricus augustus. © joqatana (CC-BY) (from inaturalist.org, ID 140003307)

Agaricus augustus. © snarlsdarwin. (CC-BY-CC) (from inaturalist.org, ID 171088725)

Two other mushrooms which can often be found around this time are Laetiporous gilbertsonii (Sulphur Shelf) and Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom).

Check out some of our other pages for more info about these mushrooms:

• What is Not to Love About The Prince? (Agaricus augustus)

• Four Dry Season Mushrooms

To hone up on your ID skills, join our ID classes or drop in at our monthly meetings from September through May. Bring in any mushrooms (the whole mushroom) that you find, in paper or wax bags.