Agaricus smithianus

Agaricus smithianus, commonly known as the golden spruce agaricus is a species of mushroom in the family Agaricaceae.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1985 by Kerrigan as Agaricus smithii.

Description

The cap is about wide and starts out ovate before becoming convex or flat. It is golden or brown in color, with a darker disc in the center. The stipe is about tall and wide, has a ring, and is bulbous at the base. The gills are free, starting out pale, becoming pinkish tan then brown before darkening with age. The mushroom is reported to have an almond-like odor.

Similar species

Agaricus augustus is similar in appearance, and also has an almond-like odor, but its stipe is less bulbous and the cap is scalier.

Habitat and ecology

Agaricus smithianus is found under Sitka spruce in conifer forests. It is found in California and occasionally near the coast in the Pacific Northwest.