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Parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera)
George Chernilevsky · Public domain
Edible species

Parasol mushroom

Macrolepiota procera · Agaricaceae

The parasol mushroom is one of the most striking edible mushrooms, with an umbrella-like cap up to 25 cm across, a snakeskin-patterned stem up to 40 cm tall and a movable ring.

FamilyAgaricaceae
SeasonJul–Nov
Spore printWhite or very pale cream
Cap width25 cm
Stem length12–40 cm
Records in Turkey51 records
CultivationWild only
StatusEdible species

The parasol mushroom is one of the most striking edible mushrooms, with an umbrella-like cap up to 25 cm across, a snakeskin-patterned stem up to 40 cm tall and a movable ring. It is widely gathered from the wild and eaten in Turkey. Because the young, closed stage can be confused with poisonous Amanita and Lepiota species, pick only fully opened specimens.

Also called: parasol Turkish: Şemsiye mantarı

Parasol mushroom

How to recognise it

Parasol mushroom, part by part

No volva Spore print: White or very pale cream Pleasant and nutty; sweetish taste. Flesh does not change colour when cut.

Cap — Parasol mushroom
CapUp to 25 cm; egg-shaped when young, then flat with a smooth dark central boss; dark, easily removed flakes on a pale background.
Gills — Parasol mushroom
GillsCrowded, free, white (pale pink with age).
Stem — Parasol mushroom
StemSlender and tall, 12–40 cm; snakeskin-like brown pattern below the ring.
Ring — Parasol mushroom
RingA thick, fleshy ring that slides up and down the stem.

When and where

Jul–Nov

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Julin season
  8. Augin season
  9. Sepin season
  10. Octin season
  11. Novin season
  12. Dec

The parasol mushroom fruits from July to November in Europe, later in the south. In Turkey it is reported to be gathered in spring and autumn, and GBIF records peak in October.

Where do parasol mushrooms grow?

The parasol mushroom grows in woodland clearings, grassy places next to woods, pasture and dunes, appearing singly, in small groups or sometimes in fairy rings.

In Turkey

The parasol mushroom is common in Turkey, with records from the Marmara, Aegean, western Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.

  • İstanbul23
  • Ankara3
  • Kastamonu3
  • İzmir3
  • Muğla3
  • Bolu3
  • Kırklareli2
  • Çanakkale2

51 observations on our map (GBIF, iNaturalist). Record density also reflects where observers work.

Latest parasol mushroom observations

See on the map

In its habitat — Parasol mushroom
In its habitat
In its habitat — Parasol mushroom
In its habitat

Look-alikes

What could it be confused with?

Parasol mushroom
Parasol mushroom
Death cap
Death cap
Deadly

Death cap Amanita phalloides

Young, closed parasols can be confused with Amanitas, which have a sac at the base and no snakeskin stem. Only pick open caps.

Poisonous

Panthercap Amanita pantherina

Pale flakes on a dark cap (the parasol has the opposite: dark flakes on a pale cap).

Poisonous

False parasol Chlorophyllum molybdites

Faintly green gills and a green spore print; no snakeskin on the stem.

Deadly

Deadly dapperling Lepiota brunneoincarnata

Much smaller; has caused fatal poisonings in Spain. Never pick small parasol-like mushrooms.

Poisonous

Shaggy parasol Chlorophyllum rhacodes

Smaller with large upturned scales and no snakeskin on the stem; disagrees with many people.

In the kitchen

Cooking with parasol mushrooms

Storing parasol mushrooms

Fresh · fridge3–7 daysKeep fresh parasol mushrooms unwashed in a paper bag in the fridge; delicate species are at the short end. Source
FrozenA few monthsFreeze parasol mushrooms cooked, not raw: sauté and cool them first. Source
DriedA few months – 1 yearKeep dried parasol mushrooms in an airtight jar in a cool, dry, dark place. Source

How to store mushrooms: the full guide →

Grow it, buy it

Parasol mushroom price list

Parasol mushroom price list
ProductUsMarket (sourced, dated)
Fresh parasol mushroomsIn preparation · notify me—
Dried parasol mushroomsIn preparation · notify me—

Our prices for parasol mushrooms are published when the product is ready; for now we take waiting-list sign-ups. The market column shows prices seen on other sellers' pages on the date given; they are not our prices and may have changed.

Grow kits →

Frequently asked questions

Are parasol mushrooms edible?

Yes, the parasol mushroom is an edible species. Eat a wild one only after an expert has identified it with certainty: it can be confused with death cap (Amanita phalloides), panthercap (Amanita pantherina), false parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites), deadly dapperling (Lepiota brunneoincarnata) and shaggy parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes).

When is parasol mushroom season in Turkey?

In our calendar, parasol mushroom season runs Jul–Nov. The parasol mushroom fruits from July to November in Europe, later in the south. In Turkey it is reported to be gathered in spring and autumn, and GBIF records peak in October.

Where do parasol mushrooms grow?

The parasol mushroom grows in woodland clearings, grassy places next to woods, pasture and dunes, appearing singly, in small groups or sometimes in fairy rings.

Where are parasol mushrooms found in Turkey?

The parasol mushroom is common in Turkey, with records from the Marmara, Aegean, western Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.

What can the parasol mushroom be confused with?

The parasol mushroom can be confused with death cap (Amanita phalloides, deadly), panthercap (Amanita pantherina, poisonous), false parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites, poisonous), deadly dapperling (Lepiota brunneoincarnata, deadly) and shaggy parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes, poisonous). Look-alikes are compared on this page.

What is the parasol mushroom called in Turkish?

In Turkish, the parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) is called Şemsiye mantarı.

Related species

All species → · Identify by photo →

Sources (5)
Photo credits (10)