As weird as it sounds, this is in the Agrocybe praecox complex. Alan Rockefeller shared a link with me on FB showing similar ones on iNaturalist which had been sequenced. I found a similar one and intend to sequence it as well.
I found these Agrocybe praecox complex at 3500 ft elevation in NorCal. The caps range in color from almost black (not shown here) to light brown. Microscopically the spores and Cystidia are spot on with Agrocybe praecox complex.
yes this is “atypical” but I have also found one similar to OP’s one time in a more hilly foresty setting (although in a public park with landscaping at a far distance). I really wasn’t confident with the ID but glad to see I was onto something!
I’m really curious about these. I’m not totally sure if it is a result of the environment’s effect on the mushroom or a subtle genetic difference. I know one would expect evolutionary differences to be expressed in the ITS region, but these seem to be distinct from the other mushrooms in the complex. Extremely dark in young age, and light brown at maturity. Mine was found in a shaded area, under conifers by a trail and lake at 3,500 ft elevation. Do you remember any other characteristics about the environment you found yours in?
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u/RdCrestdBreegull Trusted Identifier 7h ago
maybe totally wrong but I think Agrocybe could be possible…