Fauna
Fungus

Parasol Mushroom

Macrolepiota procera

Also known as Parasol Fungus

Parasol mushrooms stand prominently above grassy meadows and forest borders on exceptionally tall, slender stems. The broad cap opens like a sunshade, decorated with coarse brown scales over a pale fibrous background. As a saprotrophic fungus, its underground mycelium breaks down organic litter in rich soil, returning vital nutrients to surrounding ecosystems.

FungusSaprophyticWidespread
Parasol Mushroom reference1 / 7
(c) Lucian Clanet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lucian Clanet · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDecaying Grass, Leaf Litter, Organic Matter
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus Gnats
  • Beetles
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural intensification, over-mowing
HabitatsPastures, grassy fields, forest edges, open woodlands
Life spanPerennial mycelium; individual fruiting bodies last 3–7 days
Classification
  1. OrderAgaricales
  2. FamilyAgaricaceae
  3. GenusMacrolepiota
  4. SpeciesMacrolepiota procera
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Check the Stem: Look for the distinct dark zigzag patterning that resembles snakeskin along the stipe.
  • Examine the Ring: Observe the double-edged collar around the stem that slides freely up and down when mature.
  • Observe Spore Color: Collect a spore print on dark paper to confirm white to pale cream coloration.
Related species
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