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, Alaska gold, 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. Recent molecular phylogenetics research however, 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 spores are brown.

Edibility and Chemistry

Fruit bodies of Phaeolepiota aurea have been considered edible and are collected for food in Russia and China. It is not, however, recommended for consumption since it can 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 Phaeolepiota aurea has been consumed in some countries. It is known to cause gastrointestinal distress in some people.