Agaricus julius
(The Emperor, Rocky Mountain Prince, Colorado State Mushroom)

Habitat

On the ground, in the woods usually under Spruce or more rarely other conifers (Doug Fir). Typically found above 9000ft elevation. A few scattered together. Usually only two or three.

Description

Agaricus julius (The Emperor formerly known as The Prince) is the Rocky Mountain version of Agaricus augustus (The Prince). It has brown scales on cap with a shaggy stem (when young). It stains yellow on cap when bruised or scratched. Agaricus amicosus is similar but is darker brown and stains red while the prince stains yellow. A. amicosus scaling pattern is also slightly different. This is a beautiful mushroom and once you see and smell one its one that you'll never forget. It reminds me of a portabello mushroom only much better. It smells distinctively of a fragrant cherry almond. One of the very best Agaricus for the table. It has a much milder taste than your typical portobello especially if harvested before the gills turn completely brown. Highly sought after by not only humans but also bug larvae. Always a joy to find.

Spores measured dry in 5% KOH
(8.2) 8.5 – 10.3 (12.1) × (5.8) 5.8 – 6.9 (7.3) µm
Q = 1.49; N = 30; C = 1;
Mean = 9.4 x 6.3 µm

On March 31st, 2025 Agaricus julius was signed into law by governor Polis (HB25-1091) and became Colorado's official state mushroom.

Location

Colorado

Smell

Cherry almond

Spore Print

Chocolate brown

Edibility

Choice

Color

White to Brown

iNaturalist Observation

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131977195

Last Updated

Apr 01 2025 08:23 AM

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