Parasol Mushroom

Macrolepiota

The Parasol Mushroom looks like an umbrella! It grows in grassy areas and can be quite tall.

Habitat: Grassy fields

Appearance

The Parasol Mushroom has a large, umbrella-shaped cap, often with brown scales on a lighter background, and a tall, slender stem. It stands out with a distinctive, free-moving ring on its stalk and pale gills underneath its impressive cap.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyAgaricaceaeGenusMacrolepiota

Parasol Mushroom

Interesting facts

It can grow super tall, sometimes over a foot, towering over other fungi!

Its cap can grow larger than a dinner plate, making it very noticeable!

The stem has a cool 'snake-skin' pattern, unique among many mushrooms.

Young Parasol Mushrooms look exactly like little drumsticks before they open up!

Special abilities

The Parasol Mushroom can release billions of microscopic spores from its gills to travel on the wind, creating new fungi.

The Parasol Mushroom has special enzymes to break down dead plants, returning vital nutrients to the soil.

The mushroom's scaly cap helps protect its delicate gills from drying out or damage from the elements.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-40 cm
Edibility: edible
Cap Diameter: 10-30 cm
Growth Substrate: soil
Season: Late summer to fall
Spore Color: White

Ecological connections

eaten by

Black Slug

Arion ater

feeding on its cap and stem

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

munching on its tender parts

depends on

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

breaking down its fallen leaves

depends on

English Oak

Quercus robur

decomposing its dead wood and leaves

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Spore Producing

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!