California Agaricus vs Button Mushroom / Portobello
Agaricus californicus and Agaricus bisporus are confused for one another often enough to be worth putting next to each other.
Comes up on Californian lawns among the edible field mushrooms, smelling of ink or phenol. One of the commonest causes of mushroom sickness in the state, for exactly that reason.
White button, chestnut and portobello are one species at different ages and strains. The most cultivated mushroom on earth, and the reason most people think mushrooms taste mild.
Side by side
| Agaricus californicus | Agaricus bisporus | |
|---|---|---|
| In this game | Poisonous | Edible |
This comparison cannot make a mushroom safe to eat. It sets out the few characteristics this game records, in general terms, for two species that vary by region, age and growing conditions. Real specimens overlap in ways no table and no photograph can separate, and the deadly one here is deadly in a single meal. Ask a qualified local expert, every time.
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Agaricus californicus is also confused with Field Mushroom.
Agaricus bisporus is also confused with Yellow Stainer.
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