Shaggy Parasol Complex
Chlorophyllum rhacodes
Large Scaly Mushroom: High Risk of Toxic Lookalikes
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Key Features
- Large cap covered in dark
- shaggy scales
- Free
- crowded
- white gills
- Tall stem with distinct brown snakeskin (reticulate) pattern
- Large
- movable
- double-edged ring (annulus)
- Bulbous base obscured by soil and debris
Color:
White gills; brown scales over lighter cap; brown patterned stem
Smell:
Unknown
Growth Pattern:
Single
Environment:
Soil and grass
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Grassy area near trees (likely mixed woodland edge)
Distribution:
Widespread in temperate regions globally
Seasonality:
Late summer through autumn
Critical Features for Confirmation
- Spore print color is critical for distinguishing toxic lookalikes (e.g., C. molybdites)
- Context color change (bruising) is not visible
Economic Value
Market Demand:
Unknown - high risk of misidentification prevents commercial use
Price Range:
N/A
Commercial Use:
None
Similar Species
Green-spored Lepiota
Chlorophyllum molybdites
Key Differences:
- Spore print is green (not white)
- Context does not typically stain red/orange when cut
- Often lacks the strong snakeskin pattern on the stem
Parasol Mushroom
Macrolepiota procera
Key Differences:
- Cap scales are finer and flatter, not shaggy
- Stem pattern is usually more pronounced and less shaggy at the base
Deadly Dapperling
Lepiota brunneoincarnata
Key Differences:
- Significantly smaller size (cap diameter typically < 5 cm)
- Stem lacks the prominent snakeskin pattern
Recommended Action
Do not consume. Requires spore print and context bruising test for definitive identification.