Wild Agaricus Mushrooms to Pick & Eat

Agaricus bisporus

• The Agaricus bisporus, also known as the "commercial mushroom" or the "common white mushroom," includes flat mushrooms with a thick texture. The grills -- the area of the mushroom underneath the cap -- are darker than those of other white mushrooms. Button mushrooms also are part of this group and typically are small. Their texture is fine, and they bear a light flavor. These mushrooms actually are the youngest of the white mushroom varieties, and their caps essentially are attached to the stem. Cup mushrooms are yet another type of white mushroom. They have a deeper flavor and color than button mushrooms and have a firm texture. The cap of the cup mushroom has just started to pull away from the stem.

Agaricus augustus

• The Agaricus augustus mushroom, also known as "the prince," is another variety of wild Agaricus mushrooms you can pick and eat. The caps are brown and can grow to 12 inches or more in diameter. The cap is also dry in texture and features scales. This thick-fleshed mushroom is sweeter and more meaty than the other Agaricus mushroom types. You often can find them on the West Coast, especially following foggy weather. Look for them in the warm months, especially late summer, in gardens and parks or under trees such as the Monterey cypress, Monterey pine or redwood.

Agaricus arvensis

• The Agaricus arvensis mushroom, also called the "horse mushroom," is cream-colored and turns yellow as it grows older. Its caps are smooth and span more than an inch thick. You can find them in grassy areas such as pastures and playing fields and pick them from late fall to early winter. They typically grow alone and scattered and can develop scales in dry weather.

Agaricus campestris

• The Agaricus campestris mushroom is an ash-gray or whitish color. It appears in grassy areas such as fields and meadows and is present in late summer to early fall. In California, these types of mushrooms are sometimes present all year long. They are closely related to the white button mushrooms. The cap can be smooth or fibrous and look almost flat. Unlike other Agaricus mushroom types, the Agaricus campestris does not turn yellow when bruised.