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Mushroom Monday: The Prince (Agaricus augustus)
Agaricus augustus, often called “The Prince,” is a large and impressive mushroom known for its striking appearance and strong, sweet scent. This week’s Mushroom Monday post takes a closer look at its unique features and where you might find it.
Overall Appearance
This mushroom grows from soil, often in moist areas, and can appear either alone or in groups. It is usually found along the edges of conifer forests—where trees meet roads, grass, or other open spaces—rather than deep inside the forest itself. The mushroom is notable for its large size and wavy cap edges, making it easy to spot in the right conditions.
Cap Description
The cap of Agaricus augustus is large, ranging from 10 to 35 centimeters across. When young, the cap is more cylindrical and blocky in shape, gradually flattening as it matures. Its brown surface breaks as it grows, forming dark scales with white showing underneath. The margin of the cap tends to be wavy.
Gills Description
The gills begin as white and darken with age. They are not attached to the stem and are packed closely together. Unlike some other mushrooms, these gills do not turn pink during the aging process—they transition directly from white to brown. A partial veil covers the gills when the mushroom is young, and this veil leaves behind a ring on the stem as the mushroom matures.
Stem Description
The stem can grow 10 to 20 centimeters tall and may extend deeply into the soil. It is hollow and displays distinct zones: the upper portion is smooth and white, while the lower portion, beneath the ring, is covered with scales. The ring itself drapes downward.
Distribution
This mushroom is found growing from soil in moist locations, often on the boundary between wooded and open areas. It prefers areas where conifers are present but is most commonly seen at the forest edge rather than deep inside it.
Relationship with Plants
Agaricus augustus is saprophytic, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead organic material. It does not form symbiotic relationships with trees or plants.
Interesting Fact
This mushroom is well known for its strong almond-like scent, which makes it stand out even before you see it. This sweet aroma is one of its most recognizable features and part of why it has earned the nickname “The Prince.” The same scent is also shared by at least one other species in the same genus, Agaricus abruptibulbus, though the two mushrooms differ in size, structure, and preferred habitat.
Conclusion
With its bold size, almond scent, and scaly brown cap, Agaricus augustus is a remarkable find for any mushroom enthusiast. Whether growing solo or in a small group, it often appears in that special transition zone between forest and field.
If you found this information about Agaricus augustus, “The Prince,” 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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