The Western Flat-topped Agaricus

Agaricus praeclaresquamosus is a large, strikingly beautiful mushroom which unfortunately for the mycophagist, is toxic. Its squamulose cap and stature resemble Agaricus augustus, an excellent edible, but the latter has tawny-brown not grey-brown cap scales, an anise, not phenol odor, and the flesh does not discolor vinaceous-brown. Additionally, Agaricus praeclaresquamosus fruits from mid to late winter, while A. augustus fruits usually during the late spring, summer and early fall.