Umbrella Mushroom: How to Identify This Umbrella-Shaped Wild Parasol
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The parasol mushroom (griba-zontik) is a large, long-stemmed mushroom of perfectly regular shape that resembles an open umbrella, commonly found on lawns, in thinned patches of forest, and along woodland edges. Its very name reflects this distinctive umbrella-like appearance.
The parasol mushroom appears in July and belongs to the summer mushrooms. It is the largest of the gilled mushrooms. The cap of a young specimen is egg-shaped, later becoming bell-shaped, and in old age almost flat with a knob at the center.
What does a parasol mushroom look like?
In older parasol mushrooms the cap turns white or slightly greyish, covered with easily detachable brownish scales that hang along the edge like a fringe. The center of the cap is always darker. The gills are white, sparse, and broad — widening toward the outer edge of the cap and narrowing toward the stem. The flesh is white and loose, with a strong mushroom aroma.
How tall does the stem grow?
The stem of the parasol mushroom is tall — up to 30 centimeters — and one to four centimeters in diameter. It is always straight, slightly narrowed toward the cap, and has a tuber-like thickening at the base. The stem is firm, hollow, and fibrous, covered with brownish scales and carrying a double-layered white membranous ring. The cap separates easily from the stem.
How do you tell a parasol mushroom apart?
The distinguishing feature of the parasol mushroom is its white or grey membranous ring, which slides freely up and down the stem. Unlike most mushrooms, whose search demands care and patience, parasol mushrooms are visible from a distance — their huge caps on long straight stems can be spotted even from the window of a fast-moving car.
Parasol mushrooms are quite tasty boiled or fried, although they fall short of many first-rate mushrooms. For food, only the caps of young parasol mushrooms — with white gills underneath — are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an umbrella mushroom?
The umbrella mushroom, also called the parasol mushroom, is a large gilled fungus with a long stem and a broad cap resembling an open umbrella. It grows in meadows, forest clearings, and edges, and can reach impressive size, making it easy to spot from a distance.
Is the umbrella mushroom edible?
Yes, umbrella mushrooms are edible and taste good boiled or fried, though they are considered less flavorful than some prized mushrooms. Only the caps of young specimens with white gills underneath are used for cooking.
How can you identify a white umbrella mushroom?
Identify it by its large cap that starts egg-shaped, becomes bell-shaped, then nearly flat with a central bump. It has a white or grayish cap with brown scales, white gills, a hollow fibrous stem up to 30 cm tall, and a movable membranous ring.
What is the difference between a parasol mushroom and a false parasol?
The true parasol mushroom is edible, featuring a movable membranous ring, white gills, and brown cap scales. The false parasol resembles it but is toxic, often showing greenish spore prints. Careful identification of gill color and ring features is essential before eating.
When does the umbrella mushroom appear?
The umbrella mushroom appears in July and is classified as a summer mushroom. It is the largest representative of the gilled mushrooms and is commonly found in open, well-lit areas throughout the warmer months.
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