Emma Wilson
The parasol mushroom, or Macrolepiota procera, is a popular edible fungus found in the wild. It is commonly sought after in Europe, especially in the UK from July to November, due to its large size, ease of identification and versatility in the kitchen. It is also found in North America, where it is often confused with the toxic Chlorophyllum molybdites, or false parasol, which causes the most mushroom poisonings in the region. To identify a parasol mushroom, look for a large, prominent fruiting body resembling a parasol, with a broad, scaly cap featuring a brown spot in the centre, and a tall, slender stem. The gills are crowded and white or pale pink in age, and the mushroom has a nutty or mushroom-like smell.
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What You'll Learn
- The parasol mushroom is tall, with a broad, scaly cap and a knob in the centre
- The cap is cream-white to brown, patterned with light brown to dark brown scales
- The gills are crowded, free, and white to pale pink in age
- The stalk is tall and slender, with a bulbous base and a movable ring
- It grows in pastures, open woods, and old grasslands
The parasol mushroom is tall, with a broad, scaly cap and a knob in the centre
The parasol mushroom, or Macrolepiota procera, is a tall mushroom with a broad, scaly cap and a knob in the centre. It is a common edible mushroom found in temperate regions of Eurasia and possibly North America. It is widespread in southern Britain and Ireland, and less common in northern England and Scotland, except for coastal locations.
The cap of the parasol mushroom is distinctive, with a broad, scaly appearance and a knob or brown spot in the centre. The cap can reach up to 25 centimetres wide and is usually buff to brown in colour, with darker brown, shaggy scales. As the mushroom matures, the cap becomes flatter, and the margin breaks off, leaving a movable ring around the stipe or stalk. The stalk itself is tall and slender, with a bulbous base, and can grow up to 40 centimetres long.
When identifying parasol mushrooms, it is important to distinguish them from similar-looking but toxic species, such as the false parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) or the shaggy parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes). The false parasol has white gills that turn greenish with age and a greenish spore print, while the shaggy parasol has flesh that turns red when cut and lacks the snakeskin patterning on the stem.
To safely identify parasol mushrooms, it is recommended to look for mature specimens with caps larger than 10-12 centimetres in diameter, as smaller mushrooms may be mistaken for poisonous species. The mature parasol mushroom has a distinct broad, scaly cap with a knob in the centre and a tall, slender stem, making it relatively easy to identify.
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The cap is cream-white to brown, patterned with light brown to dark brown scales
The cap of the parasol mushroom is a key identifying feature. Its colour varies from cream-white to brown, and it is patterned with light brown to dark brown scales. The cap is initially rounded when the mushroom is young, but as it matures, it
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The gills are crowded, free, and white to pale pink in age
The gills of the parasol mushroom are crowded, free, and white to pale pink in age. They are quite broad and closely spaced, with white spores. The gills darken with age, turning grey-green or brownish-green in maturity. This is a key identifying feature, as it is one of the few mushroom species with green gills.
When identifying parasol mushrooms, it is important to distinguish them from similar-looking toxic species. One such example is the false parasol or green-spored lepiota (Chlorophyllum molybdites), which has white gills that turn greenish with age and has a greenish spore print. Another toxic look-alike is Leucocoprinus brunnea, which slowly turns brown when sliced. White and immature species of Amanita are also potential hazards, although they can be distinguished by their lighter flakes on a darker surface, as opposed to the parasol mushroom's darker flakes on a lighter surface.
To safely identify parasol mushrooms, it is recommended to look for specimens with caps larger than 10-12 cm in diameter, as smaller mushrooms may be mistaken for poisonous Lepiota species. Additionally, the parasol mushroom has a distinctive brown spot in the centre of its cap, a tall and slender stem, and a pleasant nutty or mushroom-like aroma. It is commonly found in pastures, open woods, and old pastures, often in fairy rings.
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The stalk is tall and slender, with a bulbous base and a movable ring
The parasol mushroom, or Macrolepiota procera, is a basidiomycete fungus with a large, prominent fruiting body. It is a common species found on well-drained soils, in pastures, and occasionally in woodland. It is widespread in temperate regions of Eurasia and possibly North America.
The stalk of the parasol mushroom is tall and slender, with a bulbous base and a movable ring. The stalk can grow up to 12-40 cm long and 1.5 cm thick, and it reaches its full height before the cap expands. The stalk is whitish, with small brownish scales, and has a ring on the upper part. The movable ring is a remnant of the partial veil when the mushroom was young.
The parasol mushroom is known for its large, scaly cap, which can reach up to 25 cm wide. The cap is buff to brown in colour, with darker brown, shaggy scales. As the mushroom matures, the cap becomes more flat, with a chocolate-brown umbo or knob in the centre. The gills under the cap are crowded, free, and white or pale pink in age, with a white spore print.
When identifying parasol mushrooms, it is important to distinguish them from similar-looking toxic species, such as Chlorophyllum molybdites, commonly known as the False Parasol or Green-Spored Parasol. This toxic species has white gills that turn greenish with age and a greenish spore print. Another distinguishing feature of the parasol mushroom is its pleasant nutty or mushroom-like smell.
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It grows in pastures, open woods, and old grasslands
The parasol mushroom is a fungus that thrives in various habitats, including pastures, open woods, and old grasslands. Here's a guide to help you identify its preferred habitats:
Pastures: Parasol mushrooms often grow in grassy areas, such as meadows, fields, and pastures. They favour nutrient-rich, moist soils and are often found where cattle or other livestock are present. The mushrooms may appear in small clusters or individually within these habitats.
Open Woods: In wooded areas, parasol mushrooms tend to favour open spaces with some tree coverage. They are often found at the edges of forests or in clearings where sunlight can penetrate. Look for them near deciduous trees, as they often form mycorrhizal associations, aiding in nutrient absorption.
Old Grasslands: Old grasslands, characterised by mature grasses and wildflowers, provide a balanced habitat for parasol mushrooms. These ecosystems offer a blend of shade and sunlight, moisture, and drainage, creating favourable conditions. The mushrooms may be found near the bases of grasses or wildflowers, benefiting from the organic matter in these environments.
When identifying potential habitats, consider areas with a mix of sunlight and shade, as parasol mushrooms thrive in well-lit environments with some protection from direct sun. Moist, nutrient-rich soils are also favourable, providing necessary water and nutrients.
In summary, when searching for parasol mushrooms, explore diverse habitats of pastures, open woods, and old grasslands. Keep an eye out for habitats with light and shade, moist soils, and the presence of trees or grasses for potential symbiotic relationships. Understanding their habitats improves your chances of successfully identifying and foraging for parasol mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
The parasol mushroom is very tall, with a broad, scaly cap that has a knob in the centre. The cap can reach 25 centimetres (10 inches) wide. The stipe is relatively thin, growing up to 12–40 cm long and 1.5 cm thick. The gills are crowded, free, and white or pale pink in age. The spore print is white.
The parasol mushroom is a choice edible species, but it closely resembles some toxic species. One such toxic species is the false parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites), which is also known as the vomiter. The false parasol is distinguishable by its faintly green gills and pale green spore print. The parasol mushroom also has a snakeskin pattern that is generally absent in the false parasol.
Parasol mushrooms are found on roadside verges, in neglected pastureland, and on grassy seaside cliffs in summer and autumn. They are frequent in southern Britain and Ireland, but less common in northern England and Scotland. They are also found in most parts of mainland Europe and possibly North America.
In the UK, parasol mushrooms may be found from July through to November. They are most commonly seen from late August through to September.
