Species details

Shaggy parasol

Chlorophyllum rhacodes

Conditional / expert preparation

Description

A large parasol-like mushroom with a strongly scaly cap and white flesh that quickly stains orange-red and then brownish when cut.

Identification features

Gills are white, crowded and free. The stem is smooth and hollow with an enlarged base and a movable ring. The spore print is white.

Identification checklist

Check the coarse cap scales, smooth stem without a snakeskin pattern, movable ring, white spore print and rapid reddening of cut flesh. Always expose the entire stem base.

How to separate similar species

True parasol has a distinct snakeskin stem pattern and usually reddens less. C. brunneum has a more strongly marginate bulb and can cause illness. Where C. molybdites occurs, spore-print colour is also important.

Habitat

Saprotrophic on rich humus soils, woodland edges, clearings, parks and other disturbed ground; late summer and autumn.

Fruiting period

August, September, October, November