Phaeolepiota is a genus of fungi in the family Squamanitaceae. The genus is monotypic, containing the single species Phaeolepiota aurea. Commonly known as Alaskan gold,Arora, David (February 1, 1991). All that the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms. p. 139. . Alaska gold,Siegel, Noah; Schwarz, Christian (September 1, 2024). Mushrooms of Cascadia: A Comprehensive Guide to Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Humboldt County, CA: Backcountry Press. p. 62. . golden bootleg or golden cap, P. aurea is an agaric (gilled mushroom) found throughout North America and Eurasia – often in groups and next to nettles.
Taxonomy Recent molecular phylogenetics research shows that Phaeolepiota is closely related to and may need to be merged into the genus Cystoderma.
Description The mushroom is large and golden, and its stem has a skirt-like ring. The cap is up to wide and the stem up to 20 cm long. It has a mild smell. The spores are brown, producing a tannish spore print.
Similar species It can resemble Cystoderma fallax, C. granosum, Gymnopilus spectabilis, and Agrocybe praecox.
Distribution and habitat It is found throughout North America and Eurasia – often in groups and next to nettles.
Edibility The fruit bodies have been considered edible and are eaten in Russia and China. It is not, however, recommended for consumption as it is known to cause gastrointestinal upset. Studies have shown that this fungus contains unacceptable amounts of both cadmium and cyanide compounds. Cooking reduces the concentration of the cyanide compounds present, which may be the reason why it has been consumed in some countries.Phaeolepiota aurea mushroomthejournal.com
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