Sarah Brown
Large yellow mushrooms, scientifically known as Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, are a common type of fungus that feeds on dead organic matter. They often grow in potting mix or the soil of indoor plants, and are usually one to three inches tall. While they are not deadly toxic, they can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Therefore, it is recommended to remove them from potted plants, especially those with herbs or spices, by digging them out of the soil and disposing of them properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Golden Chanterelle, Jack-o’-lantern, Mud Puppy, Golden Oyster, Yellow Parasol, Flowerpot Parasol, Painted Dapperling, Lemon-yellow Lepiota, Yellow Pleated Parasol, Yellow Coral, Yellow Patches, Yellow American Blusher, Golden Waxcap, Common Yellow Russula, Ochre Brittlegill, Yellow Swamp Brittlegill, Yellow Pholiota, Butter-foot Bolete, Golden Scruffy Collybia |
| Scientific Name | Cantharellus cibarius, Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Leucocoprinus straminellus, Leucocoprinus flavescensm, Russula claroflava |
| Colour | Pale Yellow, Dark Yellow-Orange, Golden Yellow, Sulphur Yellow, Creamy Yellow, Bright Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Yellow-Orange, Egg-yolk Yellow, Golden Brown, Pale Yellowish White |
| Shape | Thin Stems, Wavy Caps, Irregular Caps, Funnel-shaped Caps, Circular Caps, Ovular Caps, Bell-shaped Caps, Conical, Flat-capped, Rounded, Convex, Cylindrical, Spindle-shaped, Pencil-like, Toadstool-like, Disk-like, Thick Stem, Dry Solid Cap |
| Size | 2.5-6 cm wide, 3-8 inches across, 1.4-4 inches wide, 1.5-4 inches tall, 2-4.5 inches wide, 0.8-1.7 inches in diameter, 2"-5" tall, 1.6-5" in diameter, 4-13 cm tall, 3.5-10 cm wide, 15 cm tall, 5-12 cm wide, 3-7.5 cm long |
| Texture | Velvety, Smooth, Powdery, Shaggy, Firm, Soft, Fragile |
| Smell | Apricot, Indistinct, Mushroomy |
| Taste | Indistinct, Bitter |
| Location | Lawns, Forests, California, Europe, Eastern Russia, Northern China, Japan, North America, Midwest, East Coast, Minnesota, Missouri, Maryland, New York, Underground Roots, Hardwood Trees, Oak Trees, Beech Trees, Elm Trees, Garden, Potted Plants, Houseplants, Soil, Woodlands, Forest Floors, Grassy Areas, Hemlock Trees, Hardwood Forests, Deciduous Forests, Coniferous Forests |
| Season | Late Summer, Late Fall, Spring, Summer, Early Fall, Rainy Season |
| Other Characteristics | False Gills, White Flesh, Red Dots on Cap, Bioluminescent, Poisonous, Saprotrophic, Contaminated Soil, Spores, Mycelium, Fruiting Bodies, Sclerotia, Hardy, Invasive |
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What You'll Learn
- Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the flower pot parasol, is a toxic species
- Sulfur tuft mushrooms are poisonous and glow faintly from their gills under UV lighting
- Golden chanterelles are tasty fungi that appear in lawns and forests
- Yellow mushrooms in potted plants are harmless but may cause stomach upset if ingested
- Mushrooms in potted plants are a sign of good soil health and lots of nutrients
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the flower pot parasol, is a toxic species
The flower pot parasol is a gilled mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. It typically grows in pots of exotic houseplants that require a warm, moist environment. It is often found in hothouses throughout Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe, Australia, and North America. The mushroom has a bright to pale yellow colour, including the inner flesh. The cap is bulbous to cylindrical and expands to a size of 2.5-6 cm wide, becoming hemispherical or conical with age. The surface is lemon yellow to sulphur yellow and is covered in ragged, fibrous scales that are darker yellow or brown and more densely concentrated towards the centre. The cap edges are striated and grooved, with a paler colour in the grooves, and they curl inwards when young before curving out or straightening with age. The mushroom has a thin, membranous stem ring that is movable and can be yellow on the top and whitish on the underside.
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is considered inedible and toxic. If consumed, it can cause an unpleasant stomach upset as it acts as a gastrointestinal irritant. While the exact toxicity is unknown, it is classified as having medium severity poison characteristics. The plant should be removed from the house or discarded if there is a risk of children or pets eating the mushrooms. To get rid of the mushrooms, one can attempt spore removal by picking off all visible mushrooms and replacing the top few inches of potting soil. However, it is challenging to remove them entirely as the spores and mycelium are deeply settled in the plant pot and roots.
The flower pot parasol is adept at spreading via potting soil and transplanted plants. It often pops up in potted plants due to contaminated soil or mulch. The spores infect the soil during packaging or shipping and can spread very easily. This mushroom is harmless to plants, but its presence can be undesirable, especially if it spreads to other plants.
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Sulfur tuft mushrooms are poisonous and glow faintly from their gills under UV lighting
The sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare), also known as the clustered wood lover, is a poisonous mushroom that grows in large clumps on stumps, dead roots, or rotting trunks of broadleaved trees. It is characterised by its bright yellow colour, which can vary depending on weather and sunlight. The sulphur tuft has a distinct appearance, with a smooth, sulphur-yellow cap that ranges from 2 to 8 cm in diameter and an orange-brown centre. As the mushroom ages, the cap flattens out and loses its yellow hue, except for the centre, which retains its colour.
The sulphur tuft is toxic to humans, and consuming it can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In some cases, it can also lead to distorted sensory experiences, such as impaired vision and temporary paralysis. The toxicity of the sulphur tuft has been attributed to the presence of the toxic steroids fasciculol E and fasciculol F. These toxins have been shown to act as calmodulin inhibitors, and symptoms of poisoning typically occur 5 to 10 hours after consumption.
Despite its toxicity, the sulphur tuft has been utilised in experimental treatments for Armillaria root rot, a common fungal disease affecting conifers in managed forests. However, it is essential to exercise caution when encountering this mushroom in the wild. While its extremely bitter taste may deter consumption, cooking or mixing it with other mushrooms can mask its bitterness. Therefore, proper identification and examination of mushrooms before consumption are crucial to avoid potential poisoning.
Interestingly, the sulphur tuft exhibits a unique property under ultraviolet (UV) lighting. While not visible to the naked eye, the gills of the sulphur tuft mushroom glow faintly when viewed under UV light. This phenomenon adds a layer of intrigue to this already distinctive fungus.
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Golden chanterelles are tasty fungi that appear in lawns and forests
Golden chanterelles are a tasty variety of wild fungi that are highly sought after by chefs and foragers alike. They are commonly found in lawns and forests, typically growing near trees such as oak, beech, and birch. With a distinctive aroma and flavour, these mushrooms are considered a delicacy, often commanding a high price in restaurants and specialty stores.
Golden chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) are characterised by their vibrant yellow to dark yellow-orange hues. They feature thin stems and wavy, irregular caps that can curl up at the edges. The caps can reach up to four inches in width, while the mushrooms themselves can grow up to three inches tall or even larger. The flesh of these chanterelles is white and stringy, and the false gills are prominent and slightly lighter in colour than the cap. Some people detect a fruity or apricot-like aroma from these fungi.
These mushrooms typically appear from late summer to late autumn, depending on the climate. They favour growing near certain types of trees, such as oak, beech, and birch. In Europe, golden chanterelles are found specifically in beech forests, while in the American Pacific Northwest, they thrive in mossy coniferous forests and mountainous birch forests. They are also found in the UK, where they appear from July through December, and in central Europe, where they are often spotted in beech forests.
Golden chanterelles are prized for their rich flavour and aroma, which can be challenging to describe. They are known to have a delicate flavour and a succulent texture. Some species may have a fruity or earthy fragrance, while others are considered spicy. Due to their unique taste and texture, golden chanterelles are considered gourmet fungi, often grouped with truffles and morels in terms of their culinary appeal.
When cooking with golden chanterelles, it is essential to note that they are rich in flavour compounds that are fat-soluble. Therefore, they are excellent for sautéing in butter, oil, or cream. They also contain smaller amounts of water- and alcohol-soluble flavourings, making them versatile for recipes that include wine or other alcoholic beverages. Additionally, dried chanterelles can be crushed into flour and used for seasoning in soups or sauces. Freezing is another option for preservation, although it may lead to a slightly bitter taste over time.
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Yellow mushrooms in potted plants are harmless but may cause stomach upset if ingested
Yellow mushrooms are a common type of fungus that feeds on dead organic matter. They often grow in the potting mix or soil of indoor plants. They are usually a result of contaminated potting soil or mulch. The mushroom spores infect the soil and are widely distributed as it is packaged and shipped. Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as the yellow houseplant mushroom, is a small, bright yellow mushroom that is commonly found in potted plants. While these mushrooms are harmless to plants, they may release spores that can infect other plants. Additionally, they can attract pests and insects, which can harm your plants.
Although yellow mushrooms in potted plants are generally harmless, it is not recommended to consume them as they may cause stomach upset and other digestive issues if ingested. According to sources such as the North American Mycological Association and the Mushroom Expert website, Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is not toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities of mushrooms can generally cause digestive issues. Additionally, some people may experience an allergic reaction, leading to skin irritation or respiratory problems.
If you discover yellow mushrooms in your potted plants and are concerned about children or pets ingesting them, it is best to remove them. You can carefully dig them out of the soil, dispose of them in the trash, and replace the top few inches of potting soil. However, it is important to note that completely removing the spores can be challenging. Maintaining a healthy and clean environment for your plants is the best way to prevent yellow mushrooms from growing. Ensure that your plants are not overwatered and remove any dead leaves or decaying plant matter regularly.
While the yellow mushrooms in your potted plants may be harmless to leave alone, their presence could indicate an underlying issue. The mushrooms thrive in dark, warm, and wet conditions, especially when there is rotting organic matter in the soil. For houseplants, this combination can be dangerous and could lead to root rot. Therefore, it is important to address the underlying cause to prevent further issues with your plants.
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Mushrooms in potted plants are a sign of good soil health and lots of nutrients
Mushrooms in potted plants can be a surprising and colourful sight. However, they are often a sign of good soil health and lots of nutrients. Commonly, the mushrooms that appear in potted plants are Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as Lepiota lutea. This species is considered inedible and potentially toxic, so it is not advisable to eat them. While these mushrooms are not harmful to plants, they can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested. Therefore, it is recommended to remove them if there are small children or pets in the home.
The appearance of mushrooms in potted plants is typically due to contaminated potting soil or mulch. Mushroom spores can infect the soil during packaging and shipping, or they may be introduced by humans, pets, or even the air. These spores can remain dormant for extended periods, waiting for the right conditions to sprout. The mushrooms themselves are not harmful to plants and may even support their health. They perform vital functions, such as absorbing ammonium and communicating threats to the plant through their mycelium networks.
The presence of mushrooms in potted plants can be concerning, especially when they appear suddenly and grow rapidly. However, it is important to note that mushrooms are only poisonous if ingested. Simply touching them or having your herbs or spices in close proximity will not cause any issues. If you are growing food plants, such as basil, it is recommended to rinse them thoroughly to ensure no potentially toxic spores are present when ingested.
While the mushrooms themselves are not harmful to plants, their presence may indicate overwatering. Mushrooms prefer a moist environment, so their appearance in the pot of a desert-loving plant may suggest excessive watering or inadequate drainage. By altering the conditions, such as reducing humidity or lowering the temperature, you can create an environment less favourable for mushroom growth. Additionally, improving airflow and light exposure can help dry out the substrate faster, discouraging mushroom growth.
In summary, mushrooms in potted plants are often a sign of good soil health and the presence of abundant nutrients. While the specific species Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is commonly associated with potted plants, it is important to identify the mushrooms accurately to ensure the safety of humans and pets. Overall, while mushrooms can be unsightly, they play a vital role in the ecosystem and can be left alone unless there are specific concerns or preferences for removal.
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Frequently asked questions
Most yellow mushrooms are not poisonous but some species are. It is best to err on the side of caution and remove them from your plants. If ingested, some species can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues.
Large yellow mushrooms can be identified by their bright lemon-yellow caps, which are either oval or bell-shaped. They can also be identified by their size, typically ranging from one to three inches tall. They are commonly found in damp soil or around decaying plant matter.
Some examples of large yellow mushrooms include the Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as the "yellow houseplant mushroom", the yellow pholiota, also known as the "flaming scalycap", and the chanterelle, which can be found in Europe, North America, and Asia.
If you find large yellow mushrooms, it is recommended to remove them from the soil and dispose of them properly. Wear gloves when handling the mushrooms and maintain a clean environment for your plants to prevent future growth.
