Shaggy Parasol

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Shaggy Parasol is the common name shared by two closely related mushrooms, Chlorophyllum rhacodes and Chlorophyllum brunneum. Both occur in North America, Europe, and southern Africa, only C. brunneum occurs in Australia. C. rhacodes occurs throughout North America but is more common east of the Rocky Mountains. C. brunneum is common in western United States but uncommon to rare in the east and absent from the Midwest. Only C. rhacodes has been recorded in Minnesota. It is widespread but not common in the state.

Shaggy Parasol grows on the ground, usually in fairy rings or in groups, sometimes alone or scattered. It is found under trees and shrubs, especially conifers; in lawns, gardens, and compost piles; and on roadsides and other disturbed areas. It gets its nutrients from non-living organic material (saprobic).

Shaggy Parasol is a large and conspicuous mushroom. The cap is smooth, brownish, and oval to almost round when young. As it grows the cap expands, becoming convex or marshmallow-shaped, and the universal veil breaks into small scales that adhere to the cap. The mature cap is 2″ to 8″ (5 to 20 cm) in diameter and flat, sometimes with a slightly raised bump in the middle (umbonate). The center remains brown and smooth or cracked, and the rest of the cap has scattered brown scales. This is the feature that gives the mushroom its common name. The upper surface is whitish and is covered with hair-like fibers (fibrillose). On older caps the margins turn up, cup-like, exposing the gills.

The stalk is 2⅜″ to 8¼″ (6 to 21 cm) long, ⅝″ to 1⅜″ (1.5 to 3.5 cm) thick, and smooth, not shaggy. It gradually swells into a bulb at the base. It is white when young but stains brownish with age. Toward the top of the stalk there is a large membranous ring. It is all that remains of the partial veil. The ring is flat and thick with ragged double edges. It is collar-like, not skirt-like. This feature distinguishes Parasol mushrooms from poisonous Amanitas. On older mushrooms the ring is usually movable. It can slide up and down the stalk.

The gills are broad, white, and closely spaced. They are free, not attached to the stalk. On older mushrooms they become pale brown and the edges turn brown. Between the main gills there is frequently another shorter gill. The cap, stalk, and gills stain brown when bruised or handled.

The flesh is thick, whitish to pale brownish, and firm. When cut, it stains yellowish-orange or orange at first, soon turning reddish, and eventually turning brown. This discoloration is especially apparent if the flesh is cut near the top of the stalk. The flesh is edible when cooked but it has a high water content and should be fried uncovered. Some people have an allergic reaction and experience gastrointestinal pain and diarrhea from eating it. Others may pick the poisonous Green-spored Parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) or a deadly Amanita, mistaking it for this species. For these reasons, at least one source says it is “one of the most frequent causes of mushroom poisoning in the Pacific Northwest.”

The spore print is white.

Under trees, especially conifers, and shrubs, in lawns, gardens, and compost piles, and on roadsides and other disturbed areas

Spring through fall

Sources

4, 24, 26, 29, 30, 77.

Widespread but not common in Minnesota

Gorgeous Fungi on par with and resembling Lotus Flowers, Cream colored with brown freckles

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Location: Washington County MN, Oakdale Bark Park, 4957 Helena Rd N, Oakdale MN 55128

Gorgeous Fungi on par with and resembling Lotus Flowers, Cream colored with brown freckles