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Agaricus Bitorquis
"Warm Weather Button, Spring agaricus, Quadrille"
Agaricus Bitorquis fruiting bodies
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Fungi
Division:Basidiomycota
Class:Agaricomycetes
Order:Agaricales
Family:Agaricaceae
Genus:Agaricus
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Warm Weather Button?
- Warm Weather Button (Agaricus Bitorquis) is a mushroom species, belonging to the Agaricaceae family. It is studied for its biological characteristics and is documented in the ShroomSpy mycology database.
- Is Warm Weather Button edible?
- edible
- What is the scientific classification of Warm Weather Button?
- Warm Weather Button belongs to the kingdom Fungi, division Basidiomycota, class Agaricomycetes, order Agaricales, family Agaricaceae, genus Agaricus. Its scientific name is Agaricus Bitorquis.
About
Agaricus bitorquis, known as the Warm Weather Button Mushroom, is a robust, edible species closely related to the common button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), but with a greater tolerance for higher temperatures and urban environments. It is characterized by its firm texture, slightly deeper flavor, and adaptability, making it a valuable option for mushroom growers in warmer climates.
History
Agaricus bitorquis has long been consumed in regions where temperatures exceed the optimal range for A. bisporus. It was first described in the 19th century and has gained attention more recently for its potential as a heat-resistant commercial cultivar. Unlike its close relatives, this species often grows directly through asphalt or compacted soil, even in city settings.
Its two-part ring on the stem ("bitorquis" meaning "two collars") and ability to fruit in hot conditions have made it an important mushroom in studies related to environmental stress tolerance and fungal resilience.
Overview
This mushroom features a white to off-white cap, typically 5–10 cm in diameter, with pink to brown gills that darken with maturity. It has a thick stem and a characteristic double ring. It can grow underground or partially buried, pushing through hard surfaces in urban areas and often appearing in lawns or sidewalks.
The Warm Weather Button is edible and has a firm, meaty consistency. Its flavor is similar to the common button mushroom but is often described as more intense and earthy. It is suitable for most culinary applications, including sautéing, grilling, and stuffing. Nutritionally, it provides protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
Flavors
Mild
Mild flavor with a slight hint of nuttiness
Textures
Firm
Firm texture that holds up well to cooking
Fragrances
Fungus
Typical mushroom aroma
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Medium-sized with a convex shape, initially white and becoming yellowish-brown with age, covered in scales
Gills:
Initially pink, maturing to dark brown
Pharmacology
Helps With
Diabetes
Agaricus bitorquis has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
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Similar Species
Species: Agaricus xanthodermus
(Yellow Stainer)
Edibility: Poisonous — do not eat. Agaricus xanthodermus is the most commonly ingested poisonous mushroom in temperate regions because it closely resembles edible field, horse, and button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, A. arvensis). It causes gastrointestinal poisoning — nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, sometimes with headache, sweating, and flushing — within 0.3 to 6 hours (typically about 2 hours) of consumption. Symptoms are caused by phenolic compounds and are usually self-limiting over about 24 hours, though children and sensitive individuals can be more severely affected. The two reliable warning signs: the flesh, especially the base of the stem, stains bright chrome-yellow within seconds when cut or bruised, and it gives off an unpleasant phenolic (carbolic/ink-like) odor that intensifies on cooking. The species also tends to accumulate heavy metals. If consumed, contact poison control.
Key Differences: Agaricus xanthodermus has a yellow staining reaction when bruised or cut, which is not present in Agaricus bitorquis.
Species: Agaricus xanthodermus
(Yellow Stainer)
Edibility: Poisonous — do not eat. Agaricus xanthodermus is the most commonly ingested poisonous mushroom in temperate regions because it closely resembles edible field, horse, and button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, A. arvensis). It causes gastrointestinal poisoning — nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, sometimes with headache, sweating, and flushing — within 0.3 to 6 hours (typically about 2 hours) of consumption. Symptoms are caused by phenolic compounds and are usually self-limiting over about 24 hours, though children and sensitive individuals can be more severely affected. The two reliable warning signs: the flesh, especially the base of the stem, stains bright chrome-yellow within seconds when cut or bruised, and it gives off an unpleasant phenolic (carbolic/ink-like) odor that intensifies on cooking. The species also tends to accumulate heavy metals. If consumed, contact poison control.
Key Differences: Agaricus xanthodermus has a yellow staining reaction when bruised or cut, which is not present in Agaricus bitorquis.
Mushroom Ratings
4.0
(2)
Based on 2 Reviews
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★Share your thoughts
If you've consumed this mushroom, share your thoughts with our community
01/29/2025
Ruth Zota
CalmContentEnergyFocusNausea
Tried Warm Weather Button mushrooms (Agaricus Bitorquis) and they're really easy to use. Mild nutty flavor that works in salads or sautéed - doesn't overpower anything.
Had a crazy stressful week and these actually helped. Felt calmer, more focused, energy was good, mood lifted a bit. My stomach has been better too which is saying something cause I usually have issues. Might help with inflammation based on how I've been feeling.
Don't eat too many at once tho - got nauseous when I overdid it. Moderation is key. But yeah they're versatile and seem to actually do something. Easy add to meals if you want some extra benefits
01/29/2025
Josh Shearer
CalmContentEnergyFocusDizzy
Got some Warm Weather Button mushrooms fresh and threw them in a stir fry. Robust flavor with a nutty undertone that made the whole dish better.
Felt surprisingly energized but also calm after eating? Like light and clear-headed instead of heavy. That lasted for hours. My digestion improved over the next few days too which was a nice bonus.
Did get mildly dizzy at first but it went away quick. These have become a regular thing in my cooking now - taste good, help with focus and stress, easy to use. If you're looking to try new mushrooms these are a solid pick
References
- Zhao, C. (2023). The First Whole Genome Sequencing of Agaricus bitorquis and Its Metabolite Profiling. .
- Jagdev, G. S. (2022). Cadmium in the wild edible mushroom species of Agaricus bitorquis in Leicester, UK. .
- Kosanić, M. (2017). Evaluation of metal contents and bioactivity of two edible mushrooms Agaricus campestris and Boletus eclulis. .
- (2015). Vitamin D2 content and antioxidant properties of fruit body and mycelia of edible mushrooms by UV-B irradiation. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
- Rapior, S. (2002). The Anise-like Odor of Clitocybe odora, Lentinellus cochleatus and Agaricus essettei. .