Abstract: A solid nutrient medium that is selective for culturing and detecting B. anthracis bacteria and spores is described herein. This culturing and detection is based upon formation of B. anthracis colonies on the nutrient medium after incubation at room temperature or at elevated temperature. The medium of various embodiments includes a rich nutrient medium capable of supporting the growth of B. anthracis and the following constituents: a nutrient medium gelling agent, an anti-fungal agent for suppressing the growth of mold, a thallous salt, an EDTA salt, lysozyme, and a gram negative antibacterial agent including a cephalosporin compound, all at concentrations insufficient to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis.