[2] The system proposed by Wasser (2002) classifies A. augustus within subgenus Flavoagaricus, section Majores, subsection Flavescentes.

The cap shape is hemispherical during the so-called button stage, and then expands, becoming convex and finally flat, with a diameter from 8–30 cm (3–12 in).

[4] The cap cuticle is dry, and densely covered with concentrically arranged, brown-coloured scales on a white to yellow background.

Immature specimens bear a delicate white partial veil with darker-coloured warts, extending from the stem to the cap periphery.

[5] The mushroom's odour is strong and sweet, similar to almond extract, marzipan or maraschino cherry, due to the presence of benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol.

[2] Toxic lookalikes include Amanitas which stain yellow when bruised or emit bad odor.

The fungus is saprotrophic and terrestrial—it acquires nutrients from decaying dead organic matter and its fruiting bodies occur on humus-rich soil.

[8] This mushroom is a choice edible,[4][11] and is collected widely for consumption in Eurasia, the United States, Canada and some parts of Mexico.

A. augustus has been implicated in specifically bioaccumulating the metal cadmium, with a quantity of 2.44 mg per kilogram of fresh weight as recorded in one Swiss study.