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Mushroom Monday: Agaricus abruptibulbus – The Almond-Scented Surprise
This week’s Mushroom Monday mushroom takes us deep into the earthy scents of the autumn forest—and the unexpected aroma of almonds. Meet Agaricus abruptibulbus, a saprophytic mushroom that shows up in both natural woodlands and surprisingly, landscaped urban spaces beneath Norway spruce trees.
The Cap
Whitish in color and modest at first glance, Agaricus abruptibulbus is a subtle beauty that rewards a closer look. Its cap, which starts off convex and flattens with age, measures between 5 to 9 cm across and can show faint radial lines or remain smooth and bald. While it begins white, the cap often yellows slightly as it matures—one of the features that helps distinguish it from similar species.
The Gills
Its gills, free from the stem and crowded close together, begin white and darken over time. Younger specimens may still sport a partial veil. Agaricus abruptibulbus sets itself apart from close relatives like Agaricus sylvicola and Agaricus reducibulbus with notably larger spores.
The Stem
But perhaps the most distinctive feature is hidden in plain sight—the stem. Ranging from 5 to 10 cm long, the stem maintains an even width until you reach the base, where it suddenly flares into a bulbous shape. This abrupt transition gives the mushroom its scientific name: abruptibulbus. Adding to its charm is a yellow ring encircling the upper stem, another helpful ID marker in the field.
The Scent
And then, of course, there’s the scent. Agaricus abruptibulbus has the aroma of almonds. This characteristic odor can help mycologists distinguish it from look-alikes, which may lack the same sweet smell.
Appearing in groups during the fall season, Agaricus abruptibulbus is a wonderful reminder of how subtle features—a scent, a sudden stem shape, a faint yellowing—can reveal the unique identity of a forest floor resident.
If you found this information about Agaricus abruptibulbus helpful, check out our other Mushroom Monday posts on the TrueTreeTalk blog. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts. Check out our list of blog posts grouped by topic for more to read. Also, follow us on LinkedIn for industry-related posts.
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