Agaricus lilaceps Fr.
Giant Cypress Agaricus
Agaricus lilaceps
PEAK FRUITING MONTHS
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SIMILAR SPECIES: Agaricus bernardii, Agaricus pattersonae
CRITICAL ID FEATURES:
- Large to very large fruitbodies
- Stipe base often strongly swollen
- Persistent, pale partial veil
- Brownish cap, sometimes developing orange to red blushes, or lilac in cold weather
NUTRITIONAL STRATEGY: Saprobic, most common under cypress, also found under eucalyptus and occasionally other trees.
EDIBILITY: Very good, but somewhat tough. Should be eaten sparingly at first, as it has caused illness in many people.
COMMENTS: A. pattersonae is a relatively rare species that is also large, has a brownish cap and stains somewhat reddish, but has a more squamulose cap and differs microscopically.
