Emily Johnson
There are several types of yellow mushrooms, including the Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the flower pot parasol, yellow parasol, flowerpot parasol, or plantpot dapperling. This species is toxic if ingested and is common in the tropics and subtropics, frequently occurring in greenhouses and flowerpots. Other types of yellow mushrooms include the golden chanterelle, which is edible and prized by foragers, and the jack-o-lantern mushroom, which is poisonous and can resemble the chanterelle. Yellow mushrooms can also appear in indoor plants, and while they are typically not harmful to the plant, they can indicate an underlying issue, such as root rot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Yellow parasol mushroom, flowerpot parasol, plantpot dapperling, lemon-yellow lepiota, yellow pleated parasol, painted dapperling |
| Scientific name | Leucocoprinus birnbaumii |
| Cap size | 2.5-6 cm wide |
| Cap shape | Starts bulbous to cylindrical, expands to hemispherical or conical, and flattens or becomes umbonate with age |
| Cap colour | Lemon yellow to sulphur yellow |
| Cap texture | Smooth or slightly powdery with ragged, fibrous scales |
| Cap edges | Striated and grooved (sulcate-striate) with a paler colour in the grooves |
| Cap flesh | Firm when young, becomes softer and more fragile with age, and is a dull whitish colour |
| Height | 1-3 inches tall |
| Habitat | Tropics and subtropics, greenhouses, flowerpots, houseplants |
| Edibility | Toxic if ingested |
| Other | Gills do not attach to the stem, prefers dark, warm, and wet conditions |
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What You'll Learn
- Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the yellow parasol mushroom
- Golden chanterelles, delicious but resemble poisonous jack-o-lantern mushrooms
- Yellow patches mushroom, possibly fatal if ingested
- Wood hedgehog, sold alongside chanterelles for its meaty texture
- Yellow mushrooms in potted plants, not harmful but could indicate root rot
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the yellow parasol mushroom
This mushroom is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in greenhouses and flowerpots. It was first described in 1788 by English mycologist James Bolton, who observed it in a hothouse near Halifax, England. The species name birnbaumii was given by Czech mycologist August Corda in honour of a Czech gardener named Birnbaum who found the mushroom in a greenhouse in 1839.
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is known for its ability to spread via potting soil and transplanted plants, often appearing in potted plants, compost piles, and greenhouses. It thrives in warm, moist conditions and feeds on surrounding organic matter. While it does not harm living plants, it is toxic if ingested and can cause stomach upset in humans and pets.
The yellow parasol mushroom is easily recognisable by its small size and bright yellow cap. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 inches and has a white spore print. The mushroom has an indistinct or slightly mushroomy smell and taste. It is important to note that Leucocoprinus birnbaumii should be removed from areas accessible to children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
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Golden chanterelles, delicious but resemble poisonous jack-o-lantern mushrooms
Golden chanterelles are a type of wild mushroom that is highly sought after for its rich flavour and aroma. They are also known as Cantharellus cibarius. They are usually found in clusters in mossy coniferous forests, mountainous birch forests, and among grasses and low-growing herbs. Chanterelles are common in Eurasia, North America, Central America, Africa, and the Pacific Northwest. They are typically orange, yellow, or white in colour, with a meaty and funnel-shaped body.
While golden chanterelles are a delicious treat, they can be easily confused with poisonous jack-o-lantern mushrooms, also known as foxfire mushrooms or Omphalotus species. Jack-o-lantern mushrooms are bright orange or pumpkin-coloured and grow in hardwood forests during the summer and fall. They have a thick, fleshy, often curving stem and are usually much larger than chanterelles.
One key difference between the two types of mushrooms is the appearance of their gills. Jack-o-lanterns have sharp, bendable, paper-like gills, while chanterelles have false gills that resemble blunt ridges. Additionally, jack-o-lanterns have deep orange flesh throughout, while some chanterelles have egg-yellow flesh, and others may be white or dull yellow.
It is important to be able to distinguish between these two mushrooms, especially if you enjoy foraging for wild mushrooms. While jack-o-lanterns may taste good, they are poisonous and can make people sick. Experienced mushroom hunters can easily tell the difference, but beginners should be cautious to avoid accidental poisoning.
To identify the mushrooms correctly, it is important to examine their physical characteristics. In addition to the differences in colour and gill structure mentioned earlier, jack-o-lanterns usually grow in large clusters from a central stalk, while chanterelles typically grow singularly. The caps of mature jack-o-lanterns also tend to have a funnel shape, which is less common in chanterelles.
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Yellow patches mushroom, possibly fatal if ingested
Yellow mushrooms are not uncommon, and some varieties are edible and even sought after, like the golden chanterelle. However, some types of yellow mushrooms are poisonous and even deadly.
One such mushroom is the yellow patches mushroom, which is native to the central, midwestern, and eastern parts of North America. It typically appears in naturalized areas with lots of organic matter during the summer and fall. It has a rounded, yellow-orange cap that is either smooth or has small warts, and a tall, pale stem. The cap is sticky and can grow up to four inches wide, while the stem can reach up to four inches in height. While some sources claim that this mushroom is non-fatal, it is still suspected to be toxic and is related to other known toxic species within the Amanita genus, which includes the death cap mushroom, so it is best to avoid consuming it.
Another yellow mushroom to be cautious of is the jack-o-lantern mushroom, which can closely resemble the golden chanterelle but is poisonous. It grows in large clusters on rotting stumps, underground roots, or the bases of hardwood trees, particularly in the eastern United States.
It is important to note that there is no reliable home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. If you are unsure, it is best to refrain from consuming any wild mushrooms. Always seek expert advice or purchase mushrooms from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer.
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Wood hedgehog, sold alongside chanterelles for its meaty texture
The wood hedgehog, scientifically known as Hydnum repandum, is a type of mushroom that is sold alongside chanterelles. It is commonly known as the sweet tooth, pig's trotter, wood urchin, spreading hedgehog, or hedgehog mushroom. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and is the type species of the genus Hydnum.
The wood hedgehog is characterised by its thick, irregularly shaped cap with a wavy edge and pale yellow-to-tan colouring. Its cap can grow to over six inches in diameter, while its stems may reach up to four inches tall. The mushroom tissue is white with a pleasant odour and a spicy or bitter taste. All parts of the mushroom stain orange when bruised or with age.
The wood hedgehog is a mycorrhizal fungus that produces fruit bodies (mushrooms) with spore-bearing structures in the form of spines, rather than gills, hanging down from the underside of the cap. These spines give the mushroom its distinctive ''tooth fungi'' characteristic, resembling hedgehog quills.
The wood hedgehog is often sold alongside chanterelles due to its meaty texture and mildly nutty and peppery flavour. It is considered a good substitute for chanterelles, offering a more savoury taste profile. Foragers and chefs alike value the wood hedgehog mushroom for its culinary versatility and ease of preparation, as they are often the perfect size to cook whole.
The wood hedgehog is native to Europe, where it fruits singly or in close groups in coniferous or deciduous woodland. It is considered vulnerable in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands according to their Red Data Lists. Similar species of the Hydnum genus can be found in North America, including the white hedgehog (Hydnum albidum) and the giant hedgehog (Hydnum albomagnum).
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Yellow mushrooms in potted plants, not harmful but could indicate root rot
Yellow mushrooms in potted plants are not uncommon. They are usually small and bright yellow in colour, fading as they age. These mushrooms are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead organic matter and leave healthy matter alone. They also break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use.
While these mushrooms are not harmful to your plants, their presence may indicate root rot. Mushrooms thrive in constantly moist, organic-rich soil. Overwatering, poor drainage, low light exposure, and high humidity create an ideal environment for mushrooms to appear in your potted plants. Soil that stays wet long enough for mushrooms to grow may be a sign that root rot could be next. Having mushrooms pop up can also be a sign that something that shouldn't be, is rotting, such as your plant's roots.
If you want to get rid of the mushrooms, you can simply create conditions that are less favourable for them. For example, you can shift your plant to a spot with more light and better airflow, which will help the substrate dry out faster. You can also treat your plant's substrate with a fungicide like copper. However, these mushrooms are pretty resilient and can be very hard to get rid of. As the spores and mycelium are deeply settled in your plant pot and roots, it's difficult to remove them entirely. The mushrooms could very well come back even if you replace the potting soil entirely.
If you have curious kids or pets, you may want to get rid of the mushrooms as they may be toxic if ingested. To prevent the spread of spores, wear gloves when removing mushrooms and wash your hands and tools afterward. You should also dispose of removed mushrooms in the trash rather than adding them to your compost pile.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several types of yellow mushrooms, including the Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the flower pot parasol, yellow parasol, flowerpot parasol, or plantpot dapperling.
Yellow mushrooms are commonly found in the tropics and subtropics, as well as in greenhouses and flowerpots. They typically grow in warm and wet conditions with good soil nutrients.
Yellow mushrooms are generally not harmful to plants and can even provide essential nutrients and valuable information to the plants through their mycelium networks. However, they may be toxic if ingested and can be harmful to pets and humans. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them away from children and pets.
Yellow mushrooms can be challenging to remove completely as their spores and mycelium are deeply embedded in the plant pot and roots. One method is to treat the plant's substrate with a fungicide, such as Copper. Alternatively, creating conditions that are less favourable for the mushrooms, such as improving airflow and light exposure, can help prevent their growth.
