Shaggy Parasol

Description:

Macrolepiota rachodes has scales on its cap; unlike warts, scales are not distinct from the cap cuticle—rather, they are part of it. The one shown is young for the older ones due not survive the constant mowing and tromping of children at the elementary school near by where I found it growing under large pine trees.

Habitat:

Likes shady moist places and emerges in the spring time.

Notes:

The shaggy parasol is popularly praised as a choice edible mushroom. However, it contains toxins which can cause gastric upsets when eaten raw or undercooked, and some individuals show a strong allergic response even after cooking. Furthermore, young shaggy parasols look identical to the poisonous Chlorophyllum molybdites (the mushroom that causes the most poisonings in North America yearly). Checking the spore print is essential as C. molybdites' (older specimens have slightly green gills). As a result, this mushroom is not recommended for inexperienced hunters.