False Parasol

Scientific Name: Chlorophyllum Molybdites

Category: fungi

False Parasol

Brief Description

A common lawn mushroom with an oval-to-bell-shaped cap, often seen growing in grassy urban and suburban areas.

Characteristics

White to off-white cap with brownish scales or patches, tall whitish stem with a prominent ring, free gills that turn green as spores mature.

Habitat

Lawns, parks, pastures, and disturbed grassy areas.

When to Find It

Common in warm summer and early autumn months, especially after heavy rains.

Conservation Status

Common

Ecological Role

Functions as a saprotrophic fungus, decomposing dead organic plant matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Easily Confused With

Macrolepiota procera (Parasol Mushroom), which has white spores and an edible status, whereas Chlorophyllum molybdites has green spores and is poisonous.

Observation Tips

Do not consume wild mushrooms from lawns. To confirm identification, perform a spore print which will reveal greenish-grey spores.

Interesting Facts

It is the most frequently ingested poisonous mushroom in North America, causing severe gastrointestinal distress.