Created: 2008-01-30 07:22:28

By: debbie viess (amanitarita)

Summary: IDing agaricus

Comment: This is a tricky group to ID. What was the habitat? A lawn? Like Nathan stated, odor is an important characteristic, and one that can easily separate the tasty edibles from the less palatable members of the “barficus” group. To get an odor sense, rub the edge of the cap or the base of the stipe. Sniff. An odor of phenol or library paste (off-chemical smell) proclaims it a barficus, but not everyone can smell this (the ability is genetically determined, like the ability to roll your tongue). You can also download Fred Stevens excellant Agaricus key off of Mykoweb; it’s geared to N. CA, but might still prove useful to you: http://www.mykoweb.com/...

Whether the fruit body stains red or yellow (or both!) is also an important charcteristic. Good luck; this group can stump the stars!