Emma Wilson
Bright yellow mushrooms are a common occurrence in potted plants, greenhouses, and compost piles. The most common species of yellow mushroom in houseplants is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as the yellow parasol or flower pot parasol. These mushrooms are not harmful to plants but can be poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. Other types of bright yellow mushrooms include the golden waxcap, golden oyster, and golden ear mushrooms. These mushrooms are often found in the wild and can be identified by their bright yellow caps and stems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Yellow parasol mushroom, flowerpot mushroom, plantpot dapperling, yellow houseplant mushroom, yellow pleated parasol, painted dapperling, flowerpot parasol, lemon-yellow lepiota |
| 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 sometimes appears umbonate with age |
| Cap colour | Lemon yellow to sulphur yellow |
| Cap texture | Smooth or slightly powdery and covered in ragged, fibrous scales which are easily removed |
| Stem colour | White |
| Stem texture | Thin, membranous stem ring with a movable top |
| Stem length | 1 to 3 inches tall |
| Spore print colour | White |
| Smell | Indistinct or sometimes mushroomy |
| Taste | Indistinct |
| Habitat | Potted plants, greenhouses, compost piles, gardens |
| Edibility | Poisonous if ingested |
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What You'll Learn
- Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the yellow parasol mushroom
- Golden waxcaps, which are bright yellow in colour and can grow up to four inches tall
- Golden oyster mushrooms, which are native to eastern Russia, northern China and Japan
- Mud puppy mushrooms, a type of chanterelle that can be identified by their creamy yellow to bright yellow colouring
- Golden ear mushrooms, which are bright yellow and can be found in the Pacific Northwest
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the yellow parasol mushroom
The stem of the yellow parasol mushroom is thin and membranous, with a movable ring that may disappear over time. The top of the stem is yellow, while the underside is whitish. The spores of the mushroom are white and ellipsoid to amygdaliform in shape, with a large germ pore. The mushroom has an indistinct smell and taste, and it may turn tan or brownish when dry.
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii was first described in 1785 by the Yorkshire mycologist James Bolton, who named it Agaricus luteus. However, this name had already been used for a different species, so in 1962 the German mycologist Rolf Singer reclassified it as Leucocoprinus birnbaumii. The species is adept at spreading via potting soil and transplanted plants, and it is often found in potted plants and greenhouses. While it is toxic if ingested and can cause stomach upset, it is not known to be poisonous to dogs or cats unless consumed in very large quantities.
The yellow parasol mushroom is commonly found in the summer, although it can appear year-round in indoor environments. It thrives in warm, moist conditions and is often seen in compost piles and plant pots. The mushroom breaks down organic matter in soils but does not harm living plants. However, it is important to remove the mushrooms if there is a risk of children or pets consuming them. Overwatering of potted plants can encourage their growth, and they can be difficult to manage once established.
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Golden waxcaps, which are bright yellow in colour and can grow up to four inches tall
Golden waxcaps are bright yellow mushrooms that can grow up to four inches tall. They feature a bright yellow stem and cap, which makes them stand out against the greenery of a lawn or the brown hues of woodland areas. Golden waxcaps are often found in woodland areas, where they grow under different trees in different regions. On the west coast of North America, for example, they tend to grow under coastal redwoods, while on the east coast, they favour beech trees.
The caps of golden waxcaps are sticky to the touch when young, and their shape transforms as the mushroom matures, starting with a traditional convex shape and ending up almost flat. The mushrooms grow in large clusters, with caps reaching three inches across and curved or bent white stems. The stems have gills that run down them, a feature known as "decurrent".
Golden waxcaps are considered true parasites, as they do not feed on dead organic matter but instead grow by consuming other types of fungi infesting the wood of broadleaf trees. This is a unique characteristic that sets them apart from many other mushroom species.
Golden waxcaps are not the only bright yellow mushrooms out there. Golden ear mushrooms, for instance, are another variety that prefers coastal climates. These mushrooms can be found in the Pacific Northwest and have also been recorded in South America, Europe, and northern Asia. Golden ear mushrooms grow in convoluted clusters that resemble ears, and they are edible but lack a distinct flavour.
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Golden oyster mushrooms, which are native to eastern Russia, northern China and Japan
Golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) are native to eastern Russia, northern China, and Japan, where they have been growing wild since ancient times. Known as "Phantom mushrooms" in Japan, they are challenging to find, harvest, and store, and thrive in hardwood forests, commonly found on the fallen wood, stumps, or trunks of beech, oak, elm, maple, and ash trees. They never grow on the ground and reside in subtropical to warm, temperate climates.
Golden oyster mushrooms are cultivated commercially, usually on a medium of grain, straw, or sawdust. They are one of the most commonly cultivated mushrooms, especially in China, due to their ease of cultivation and their ability to convert 100 g of organic refuse into 50-70 g of fresh mushrooms. They are also a source of antioxidants and have been studied for their potential health benefits, including antihyperglycemic properties that can help decrease blood sugar levels.
In the wild, golden oyster mushrooms typically grow on decaying hardwoods such as elm, beech, oak, and other hardwoods. They grow in small to medium-sized clumps, sometimes referred to as bouquets, and are comprised of many layers of tightly packed mushrooms. Their circular yellow caps can reach up to three inches across, with curved or bent white stems. These stems have gills that run down them, a feature known as "decurrent".
Golden oyster mushrooms were introduced to North America in the 20th century, and they have since naturalized in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, including states such as Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and Maryland. Their vigorous range expansion has led to concerns about their status as an invasive species. However, they are edible and considered a delicacy in some regions, known for their umami flavor and ability to enhance broths and stocks with a savory taste.
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Mud puppy mushrooms, a type of chanterelle that can be identified by their creamy yellow to bright yellow colouring
Mushrooms come in a variety of colours, including bright yellow. One such mushroom is the Mud puppy mushroom, a type of chanterelle that can be identified by its creamy yellow to bright yellow colouring. Also known as the California golden chanterelle or oak chanterelle, this fungus is native to California, specifically the Bay Area to Los Angeles. Mud puppy mushrooms have irregular caps, ranging from 5 to 30 centimetres (2 to 12 inches) wide, with an exceptional few reaching 50 centimetres (20 inches) in width. Their preference for moist environments leads them to grow near streams, often pushing through muddy debris, giving rise to their name.
While the stems of Mud puppy mushrooms are short, they grow slightly larger than other chanterelle species, resulting in a short-and-squat stature that aids identification. Their false gills are lighter in colour, and their yellow-orange caps may become brownish as they age, with adhering leaf litter causing a mottled appearance. The ridges of the hymenium are folded and deepen with age, usually sharing the same colour as the cap but in paler shades. The stipe, or stem, is short and stout, typically measuring 2 to 10 centimetres (0.75 to 4 inches) in length and 1 to 4 centimetres (0.5 to 1.5 inches) in width.
Mud puppy mushrooms are edible and considered a delicacy by some. They are sought after by mushroom foragers for their bright colours and flavour. However, caution is advised when consuming wild mushrooms, as some varieties are poisonous. Unless identified by an expert, it is important to exercise caution before picking or eating any wild mushrooms.
Other types of bright yellow mushrooms include the Golden oyster, native to eastern Russia, northern China, and Japan, and introduced to North America as a commercial product. Golden oysters are semi-invasive and can be found by foragers in several states, including Minnesota, Missouri, Maryland, New York, and others. They grow on decaying wood, particularly hardwoods like elms, and mature in large clusters. Their circular yellow caps, which can reach three inches across, feature a distinctive funnel divot.
Golden waxcaps are another variety of bright yellow mushrooms, featuring both a bright yellow stem and cap. Their caps are sticky when young and transition from a traditional convex shape to an almost flat form as they mature. Golden waxcaps favour hardwoods and conifers, growing under different trees in various regions. On the west coast of North America, they prefer coastal redwoods, while on the east coast, they opt for beech trees.
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Golden ear mushrooms, which are bright yellow and can be found in the Pacific Northwest
Golden ear mushrooms, also known as Witch's Butter, Yellow Ear, and Yellow Brain fungus, are bright yellow and can be found in the Pacific Northwest. They are a variety of jelly fungi, scientifically known as Tremella aurantia and Tremella mesenterica. These mushrooms grow on dead timber, particularly the stumps and fallen branches of oak and beech trees. They are parasitic in nature, feeding on a kind of bracket or crust fungus that grows on the wood rather than consuming the wood itself.
Golden ear mushrooms have a unique appearance, with a fruit body consisting of clustered, convoluted folds that give them their name. They are small to medium in size, typically averaging 5-10 centimeters in diameter, and have a gelatinous texture when fresh, appearing shiny and wet. When dried, the mushrooms become shrivelled and take on a golden matte finish, resembling an orange cauliflower.
These mushrooms are edible and commonly consumed in Asia, especially in China. They are exported worldwide for use in soups, stews, and other dishes. Golden ear mushrooms are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall. When cooked, they have a mild, neutral flavour and a slightly rubbery texture. They are often added to dishes for colour, texture, and nutritional value.
In terms of nutrition, Golden ear mushrooms are a good source of potassium, iron, and calcium. They also contain trace elements such as manganese, an antioxidant that plays a role in collagen production and helps prevent and repair wrinkles.
Golden ear mushrooms can be found growing on or completely enveloping host mushrooms such as curtain crust mushrooms (Stereum hirsutum) and some Peniophora species. They are gregarious and can be found in coastal forests on downed hardwoods, as well as at low elevations in the Sierra Nevada.
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Frequently asked questions
Bright yellow mushrooms are most likely Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as yellow parasol mushrooms, flowerpot parasols, or plantpot dapperlings. They are small, bright yellow mushrooms that grow in potted plants, greenhouses, and compost piles. They are not harmful to plants but can be poisonous to humans and pets if ingested.
Bright yellow mushrooms, specifically Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, are commonly found in potted plants, greenhouses, and compost piles. They thrive in warm, moist conditions and are often seen in the summer. They can also be found outdoors in clusters or singly.
Bright yellow mushrooms, such as Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, are not harmful to plants. However, they can be poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. Therefore, it is recommended to remove them from pots if there is a risk of children or pets eating them.
To get rid of bright yellow mushrooms, you can try removing the plant from the house, changing the soil, applying fungicide, or altering the conditions by reducing humidity or temperature. Removing the mushroom caps as soon as they appear can also help prevent the spread of spores.
