# Shaggy Parasol (*Chlorophyllum molybdites*)

The Shaggy Parasol is a tall mushroom with a floppy cap that looks like an umbrella! It can be found in grassy areas and is fun to spot.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 14
- **Habitat:** Grassy fields
- **Also known as:** False Parasol, Green Parasol

![Shaggy Parasol](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426634/objects/5152.jpg)

## Appearance

The Shaggy Parasol has a white to cream-colored cap covered in shaggy, brownish scales, often flattened when mature. Its free gills are initially white but notoriously turn a distinct greenish color as spores develop, differentiating it from edible look-alikes. It also features a pale stalk with a prominent, movable ring.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Agaricaceae
- **Genus:** Chlorophyllum

## Interesting facts

- Despite its "parasol" name, it's not a true parasol and is very poisonous!
- It causes more mushroom poisonings in North America than any other fungus!
- Its gills change from white to a weird, tell-tale green color as it matures!
- This common lawn mushroom is one of the most frequently misidentified fungi!

## Special abilities

- **Spore Launcher:** Shaggy Parasol can release millions of greenish spores, helping it spread widely and colonize new ground.
- **Toxic Protector:** Shaggy Parasol produces potent toxins that cause severe illness, protecting itself from most animals.
- **Habitat Conqueror:** Shaggy Parasol thrives in disturbed areas like lawns, allowing it to grow where other fungi struggle.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-25 cm
- **Edible:** poisonous
- **Size:** 8-30 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Summer to early Fall
- **Spore Color:** Greenish-olive

## Ecological connections

- **Depends on:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — decomposes dead blades and roots
- **Depends on:** Perennial Ryegrass (*Lolium perenne*) — feeds on fallen organic material
- **Eats:** Spanish Slug (*Arion vulgaris*) — some slugs can tolerate its toxins

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Spore Producing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spore-producing): Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Shaggy Parasol?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Shaggy Parasol?

10-25 cm

### Is Shaggy Parasol edible?

poisonous

### How big is Shaggy Parasol?

8-30 cm

### Where is Shaggy Parasol usually found?

Grassy fields

### What does Shaggy Parasol grow on?

soil

### When is Shaggy Parasol in season?

Summer to early Fall

### What color are Shaggy Parasol spores?

Greenish-olive

## Where to spot

- [Anderson University](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-university) — South Carolina, US · Campus
- [Haskell-Baker Wetlands](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/haskell-baker-wetlands) — Kansas, US · Nature Reserve
- [Alexandria Zoological Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alexandria-zoological-park) — Louisiana, US · Zoo
- [Sacramento Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sacramento-zoo) — California, US · Zoo
- [California State Capitol Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/california-state-capitol-museum) — California, US · Museum
- [Cheesman Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cheesman-park) — Colorado, US · Park

[View all places to see Shaggy Parasol](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/shaggy-parasol)

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Shaggy Parasol: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shaggy-parasol)