Chlorophyllum rhacodes
Shaggy Parasol
Other mushrooms in the series:
Introducing the Shaggy Parasol
Shaggy Parasol is the common name for three closely related species: Chlorophyllum rachodes, C. olivieri, and C. brunneum, found in North America, Europe, and Southern Africa.
The Shaggy Parasol was one of the first edible wild mushrooms I identified with the help of a much more accomplished forager than I.
It has an “exceptionally strong, nutty flavor… for best and safest results, fry on high heat in an open pan.”, from Mushroom Demystified by David Arora.
Shaggy Parasol in the shop:
In the Wild
The Shaggy Parasol starts out with a small, oval-ish, marshmallow-shaped pale- to reddish-brown blob, which breaks up into shaggy scales as the cap expands with a white background.
Usually found in groups or rings on the ground under conifer trees and bushes, in gardens and compost piles and disturbed areas.
It is an excellent edible, but has a poisonous lookalike (Chlorophyllum molybdites) with green spores, so best to identify it with an experienced friend. Some people have gastric upset reactions to eating this mushroom.
Check it out in the shop!
Other mushrooms in the series:
Useful Links:
*These links include affiliate links, for which I may receive a small amount at no extra cost to you.
- Mushrooms Demystified – David Arora (A hefty, not that portable, extensive mushroom identification book)
- All That the Rain Promises and More – David Arora (A lighter, more portable basic mushroom identification book)
- Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World – Paul Stamets (An interesting read on the potential role of mushrooms in remediation)