Emma Wilson
Chlorophyllum molybdites, commonly known as the green-spored parasol mushroom, is a poisonous species of mushroom found in lawns, pastures, and meadows across North America. It is the most frequently consumed poisonous mushroom in the continent, often being misidentified as edible species. The green-spored parasol mushroom has a large cap, a ring around its stem, and greenish gills—the underside of the cap—due to the green spores that it produces. Poisoning symptoms include drowsiness, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can be particularly severe in children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Green-spored parasol mushroom |
| Scientific Name | Chlorophyllum molybdites |
| Cap Size | 4-11 inches wide or 10-30 cm in diameter |
| Cap Colour | White, creamy white, pale tan, whitish, or light brown |
| Cap Texture | Scaly flecks or patches |
| Gill Colour | White, grey, green, or brown |
| Gill Texture | Free from the stem |
| Stem Colour | White, tan, or Brown |
| Stem Length | 3-8 inches |
| Stem Thickness | 0.6-1 inch |
| Stem Texture | Smooth or fibrous |
| Spore Colour | Green, Grey, or Tan |
| Symptoms of Ingestion | Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, bleeding from the gut, fluid and electrolyte loss, blue discolouration of lips, tongue, and fingernails |
| Habitat | Lawns, pastures, meadows, and landscapes |
| Distribution | North America, especially the Southeast and California |
| Seasonality | Late summer to fall, after heavy rains |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms |
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What You'll Learn
- Chlorophyllum molybdites is the scientific name for the green-spored parasol mushroom
- The green-spored parasol mushroom is poisonous and causes vomiting and diarrhoea
- It is the most commonly consumed poisonous mushroom in North America
- The green-spored parasol mushroom is also known as the false parasol
- It is commonly found in lawns and pastures, especially in Florida
Chlorophyllum molybdites is the scientific name for the green-spored parasol mushroom
Chlorophyllum molybdites, commonly known as the green-spored parasol mushroom, is a poisonous species of mushroom found in meadows, lawns, and parks across eastern North America, as well as temperate and subtropical regions around the world. It is the most frequently consumed poisonous mushroom in North America and is responsible for the greatest number of mushroom poisoning cases in the continent, especially in Florida.
The green-spored parasol mushroom has a broad cap that ranges from 1.8 to 11.8 inches in diameter and is white to brown in colour. The caps typically start off white but darken over time, and have scales that are typically stained beige, cinnamon, or pinkish-brown. The gills of the mushroom are free and white, usually turning dark and green with maturity. The stems are roughly 2 to 10 inches long and 0.6 to 1 inch thick, sometimes becoming thicker towards the base. The spores of Chlorophyllum molybdites are greenish and ellipsoid, measuring 8-13 μm long and 6-8 μm wide with a small pore at the apex.
The green-spored parasol mushroom often creates a complete or incomplete "fairy ring" in lawns, grassy areas, and open woods. It is easily confused with edible mushroom species, such as the true parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) or the shaggy parasols (Chlorophyllum rhacodes, C. olivieri, and C. brunneum). This mushroom is one of the largest and most common mushrooms found in lawns, particularly in the southeastern United States.
Consumption of Chlorophyllum molybdites causes severe gastrointestinal distress, including stomach irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, individuals may experience bloody diarrhea and hypovolemic shock. Although poisonings can be severe, particularly in children, no fatalities have been reported. There is currently no known antidote for Chlorophyllum molybdites poisoning, and evaluation of poisoning severity should be made in a healthcare centre or hospital emergency room.
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The green-spored parasol mushroom is poisonous and causes vomiting and diarrhoea
The green-spored parasol mushroom, scientifically known as Chlorophyllum molybdites, is a toxic fungus that causes severe gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhoea. It is commonly found in lawns, meadows, and pastures across North America, particularly in the southeastern United States and California. This mushroom is notable for its large cap, which ranges from 8 to 30 cm in diameter, and its distinctive greenish gills, which result from the green spores it produces.
Chlorophyllum molybdites is the most frequently ingested poisonous mushroom in North America. It is often mistaken for edible species, such as Chlorophyllum rhacodes (the shaggy parasol) and Macrolepiota procera (parasol mushroom). The similarity to these safe mushrooms contributes to the high rate of accidental consumption of Chlorophyllum molybdites. The green-spored parasol mushroom has earned various nicknames, including "false parasol," "green-spored lepiota," and "the vomiter," reflecting its propensity to induce vomiting.
The toxin is present in all parts of the mushroom, with higher concentrations in the cap. Ingesting this mushroom can lead to severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of fluids, and electrolyte imbalance. These symptoms typically manifest within 1-3 hours of consumption and can last from 4 hours to up to 7 days, depending on the amount ingested and the severity of poisoning. In severe cases, the toxin can cause hypotension and hypovolemic shock, a dangerous condition resulting from fluid and blood loss.
Young children and dogs are at particularly high risk of poisoning from Chlorophyllum molybdites due to their smaller body mass and tendency to ingest mushrooms found in lawns. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if mushroom poisoning is suspected. While there is currently no known antidote, treatment methods include oral or intravenous rehydration, anti-emetics, and anti-spasmodics for mild cases.
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It is the most commonly consumed poisonous mushroom in North America
Chlorophyllum molybdites, commonly known as the green-spored parasol mushroom, is the most frequently consumed poisonous mushroom in North America. It is often mistaken for edible mushrooms like Chlorophyllum rhacodes (the shaggy parasol) and Macrolepiota procera (parasol mushroom). The green-spored parasol mushroom is widely distributed throughout Florida, the southeastern United States, and California. It is commonly found in lawns, pastures, meadows, and other human-inhabited areas.
The green-spored parasol mushroom has a distinctive appearance. Its cap is whitish to brown, with concentric circles of pinkish-brown to chocolate-brown scales. The gills are initially white but turn greenish as the spores mature, giving the mushroom its name. The stem is white to tan-brown and is slightly thicker at the base. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 10 inches.
The mushroom is poisonous and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 hours of consumption. While there have been no reported deaths from consuming this mushroom, it can still cause severe distress, especially in children and pets, who are at a higher risk of poisoning due to their smaller size.
The green-spored parasol mushroom is sometimes referred to as the "false parasol" or "vomiter" due to the vomiting it can induce. It is important to be able to identify this mushroom to avoid accidental consumption. When mature, it can be distinguished by its large cap, the ring around its stem, and the greenish colour of its gills. Additionally, its stem lacks the snakeskin pattern typically found on the parasol mushroom.
To identify the green-spored parasol mushroom, one can examine the spore print colour, which is typically green but can vary from tan to grey. However, it is important to note that immature mushrooms may produce white spore prints as they are not yet fully developed. Other identifying features include the scaly white to brownish cap, the greenish gills that are not attached to the stem, and the swollen base of the stem with a movable white or brownish ring.
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The green-spored parasol mushroom is also known as the false parasol
The green-spored parasol mushroom, scientifically known as Chlorophyllum molybdites, is commonly referred to as the false parasol. This species of mushroom is commonly found in temperate and subtropical meadows and lawns. It is also frequently found in human-inhabited areas, such as lawns, open pastures, meadows, and landscapes. The false parasol is the most commonly consumed poisonous mushroom in North America, particularly in Florida and the southeastern United States. It is often misidentified as edible mushrooms like Chlorophyllum rhacodes (the shaggy parasol) and Macrolepiota procera (parasol mushroom).
The false parasol mushroom has a distinctive appearance. Its cap, or pileus, ranges from 8 to 30 cm in diameter and is whitish to brown in colour, with coarse brownish scales. The gills of the mushroom are initially white but turn greenish as the spores mature, giving the mushroom its name. The stems of the false parasol are roughly 2 to 10 inches long and 0.6 to 1 inch thick, with a slight swelling at the base. The stems are white to tan-brown and may discolour slightly when handled. A prominent feature of the false parasol is the thick, movable ring around the stem, which is white or brownish and has a fringed margin.
The green-spored parasol mushroom, or false parasol, is easily distinguishable from other mushrooms when mature due to its large cap, the ring around its stem, and the greenish colour of its gills. However, when young, it can be challenging to distinguish from edible mushrooms, especially the shaggy parasol, as the gills of both mushrooms are white at this stage. The false parasol is one of the few mushroom species with green gills, making this a critical identifying feature.
Consuming the false parasol mushroom can result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pains. These symptoms can be particularly severe when the mushroom is consumed raw. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if mushroom poisoning is suspected. While the toxin produced by the false parasol is not fatal, it can cause significant distress, especially in children and pets, who are at higher risk of poisoning due to their smaller size and tendency to ingest fresh mushrooms.
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It is commonly found in lawns and pastures, especially in Florida
Chlorophyllum molybdites, commonly known as the green-spored parasol mushroom, is a common species found in lawns and pastures, especially in Florida. It is also referred to as the false parasol, green-spored lepiota, and vomiter. This mushroom is widely distributed throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. It is often found in lawns, grassy areas, open woods, and pastures.
The green-spored parasol mushroom is known for producing greenish spores, which can be observed in the vomit of individuals who have consumed this poisonous mushroom. These spores typically have an ellipsoid shape, measuring approximately 8-13 μm in length and 6-8 μm in width, with a small pore at the apex. The gills of the mushroom, which are the underside of the cap, also take on a greenish color due to the presence of mature spores.
In Florida, the green-spored parasol mushroom is commonly found on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, where it exhibits characteristic features such as a scaly white cap and greenish gills. It often grows in clumps or groupings, forming "fairy rings" in large circles or semi-circles on lawns. The cap of the mushroom is relatively large, ranging from 8 to 30 cm in diameter, and is whitish with coarse brownish scales. The stems are typically 5 to 30 cm tall, with a thick ring around the stem that starts off as white and may turn orange or brown with age.
The green-spored parasol mushroom is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning in the United States, particularly in Florida. Young children and pets are at a higher risk of poisoning due to their smaller size and tendency to ingest fresh mushrooms found in lawns. It is often misidentified as edible species, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Therefore, it is important for individuals, especially those in Florida, to be able to identify this mushroom to prevent accidental consumption.
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