It can be distinguished in the field by its dark center, its small, bulbous base, which stains yellow, and its relatively slight stature.

It is very similar to Agaricus placomyces, but is a slightly smaller mushroom with a scalier cap and a more northern range within the United States.

The top is mainly whitish to dingy, developing vaguely concentric brownish to grayish scales towards the center.

In addition, it has a ring that typically persists into maturity, and a partial veil when covering the gills not developing dark droplets.

Chemical reactions involve combining the cap and flesh yellow with potassium hydroxide (KOH).