Community find

Parasol Mushroom

Macrolepiota procera

Group

Gilled mushroom

Season

Typically found from late summer through autumn, often peaking after periods of rain.

Habitat

Found growing solitarily or in scattered groups on the ground in woodlands, forests (especially coniferous and mixed woods), gardens, meadows, and along roadsides. It often appears in disturbed areas or where there is abundant decaying organic material. It does not grow directly on wood.

Key characteristics

Cap: Initially egg-shaped, expanding to convex then flat, typically white to cream with brownish to reddish-brown, shaggy scales often concentrated towards the center. Gills: Free, crowded, white to cream, sometimes staining reddish with age or handling. Stem: Pale, often with a bulbous base, typically fibrous and separating easily from the cap. A prominent, movable ring is present, often discolored brown from spores. Spore print: White. Size: Caps can range from 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) in diameter, with stems up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall.

Look-alikes

Similar species include other members of the genus Macrolepiota, such as Macrolepiota rhacodes (often called the Shaggy Parasol) which has a sturdier, often darker stem and tends to bruise reddish-orange when handled. Chlorophyllum molybdites (the Green-spored Parasol) is another look-alike, distinguishable by its greenish spore print in maturity and generally lacks the prominent shaggy scales of Macrolepiota procera on the cap.

Ecological role

This mushroom is saprophytic, obtaining nutrients from decaying organic matter in the soil. It plays an important role in decomposition, breaking down leaf litter and other dead plant material, thereby recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.