✅ Edibility Note
CHOICE EDIBLE: One of the finest edible mushrooms with firm texture and nutty flavor. The cap is preferred (stem is fibrous). Cook thoroughly - do not eat raw. Critical identification: verify FREE white gills (not attached to stem), MOVABLE thick double-edged ring, snakeskin scaly stem, WHITE spore print, NO volva at base. Discard the tough fibrous stem. Some people report mild digestive upset - try small amounts first. The parasol must be clearly distinguished from toxic Chlorophyllum species which have greenish spores.
Description
The Parasol Mushroom is a large, impressive species with a distinctive umbrella-shaped cap reaching 10-30 cm across, covered in upturned brown scales on a cream background forming a snakeskin pattern. The cap is mounted on a tall slender stem (15-35 cm) with a thick double-edged movable ring and brown snake-like scaly patterns below the ring. The gills are free (not attached to stem), white becoming cream with age, and crowded. The white flesh has a mild nutty flavor and does not bruise or change color when cut.
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Found in grassy areas including pastures, meadows, lawn edges, woodland clearings, parks, and roadsides. Grows terrestrially (not on wood) in nutrient-rich soil, often in disturbed areas. Typically fruits scattered or in small groups, sometimes in fairy rings. Prefers areas with moderate sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Region: Europe (native, widespread), Eastern North America (naturalized), Pacific Northwest (rare), California (occasional), Mediterranean regions, Temperate grasslands worldwide
Seasonality
Summer through fall (July-November in North America, May-November in warmer climates). Peak fruiting occurs in late summer to early fall, particularly after warm rains. In Mediterranean climates may fruit spring and fall.
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Chlorophyllum brunneum (toxic) - greenish spore print, reddens when cut, stockier build
- Chlorophyllum molybdites (toxic) - green spores, greens when bruised, North American
- Lepiota species (some deadly) - much smaller (<10 cm cap), fragile ring
- Amanita species (deadly) - volva at base, gills attached or free but with volva
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