
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
Helps With
Diabetes
Agaricus bitorquis has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Similar Species

Species: Agaricus xanthodermus
Edibility: poisonous
Key Differences: Agaricus xanthodermus has a yellow staining reaction when bruised or cut, which is not present in Agaricus bitorquis.

Species: Agaricus xanthodermus
Edibility: poisonous
Mushroom Ratings
4.0
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01/29/2025
Ruth Zota
01/29/2025
Josh Shearer
References
The First Whole Genome Sequencing of Agaricus bitorquis and Its Metabolite Profiling
Cadmium in the wild edible mushroom species of Agaricus bitorquis in Leicester, UK
Evaluation of metal contents and bioactivity of two edible mushrooms Agaricus campestris and Boletus eclulis
Vitamin D2 content and antioxidant properties of fruit body and mycelia of edible mushrooms by UV-B irradiation
The Anise-like Odor of Clitocybe odora, Lentinellus cochleatus and Agaricus essettei
This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the Agaricus genus of mushrooms. The genome sequencing of A. bitorquis strain BH01 provides valuable insights into the potential for artificial cultivation and breeding, which will facilitate the development of the field of mushrooms as functional food manufacture.
2023
This study reveals potential contamination in inner city areas and suggests that consumption of A. bitorquis should be limited and substituted when possible due to the presence of cadmium.
2022
Here we determined metal concentrations, and antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potential of two edible mushrooms Agaricus campestris and Boletus edulis. The concentrations of nine metals were determined and all metals are present in the allowable concentrations.
2017
Our objective was to study the effect of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light irradiation on the vitamin D2 content of several edible fruit bodies and mycelia and their antioxidant properties. Eleven species of fresh mushroom fruiting bodies, including species from each of the six genera, Agaricus, Agrocybe, Auricularia, Hypsizigus, Lentinula and Pholiota, and five species from Pleurotus genus, were irradiated with UV-B light for 2 h.
2015
The fruiting bodies of fresh and wild Clitocybe odora, Lentinellus cochleatus and Agaricus essettei were investigated for volatile compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis using hydro-distillation and solvent extraction techniques.
2002