California Agaricus
ExploreFungi
California Agaricus
agaricus californicus
The California Agaricus is a delightful mushroom that often pops up in gardens and forests. Kids can spot its white cap and learn how it helps nature by breaking down old plant material!
Habitat: California Agaricus thrives in forests, gardens, and grassy areas.
Appearance
The California Agaricus has a white to yellowish cap, often bruising yellow, and a robust white stem. Its gills start pinkish and darken to chocolate brown as spores mature, making it visually distinct from some edible look-alikes.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyAgaricaceaeGenusAgaricus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite its tasty-looking appearance, this mushroom will give you a tummy ache!
It smells distinctly like carbolic acid, sometimes compared to ink or phenol!
Its tiny spores, released by the billions, can travel far on the wind to grow new mushrooms.
Mushrooms are actually more closely related to animals than they are to plants!
Special abilities
Ability
Stinky Warning
California Agaricus releases a strong carbolic (ink-like) odor that helps warn animals it's not good to eat.
Ability
Hidden Web
California Agaricus has a vast underground network of mycelium that helps it break down nutrients in the soil.
Ability
Stomach Shield
California Agaricus can produce compounds that cause stomach upset, helping protect itself from hungry creatures.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-10 cm
- Edibility
- poisonous
- Cap Diameter
- 8-18 cm
- Growth Substrate
- soil
- Season
- Fall, winter, spring
- Spore Color
- Dark brown
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leopard slug
Limax maximus
Slugs sometimes munch on the mushroom's cap.
eaten by
Fungus gnat
Sciara coprophila
Their larvae feed on the mushroom's tissues.
depends on
Coast Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
Decomposes fallen leaves and organic debris nearby.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
California MushroomGarden Agaricus
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before picking or eating wild mushrooms!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is California Agaricus?
5-10 cm
Is California Agaricus edible?
poisonous
How big is California Agaricus?
8-18 cm
Where is California Agaricus usually found?
California Agaricus thrives in forests, gardens, and grassy areas.
What does California Agaricus grow on?
soil
When is California Agaricus in season?
Fall, winter, spring
What color are California Agaricus spores?
Dark brown
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_and_beneficial_bacteria_on_plant_performance_and_soil_fertility.webp&width=800)
