About this fungus
Slender Parasol is a fungus in the Agaricaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A tall, slender parasol with a pale cap covered in fine brown scales and a sharply raised central point. Mature caps flatten around this pointed umbo, while the long stem carries a persistent ring.
What to check
Confirm free white to cream gills, a white spore print, fine cap scales, a slender stem with subtle brown patterning and a substantial double-edged ring that may become movable. The flesh does not redden strongly when damaged. Expose the slightly swollen stem base and confirm that there is no volva.
Variation
Young caps are rounded and pale brown before expanding. Rain can wash away scales, and the stem pattern is usually less striking than on the larger Parasol, Macrolepiota procera.
Lookalikes
Macrolepiota procera is usually larger with a bold snakeskin stem. Chlorophyllum rhacodes and related shaggy parasols have coarser cap scales and flesh that reddens, and can cause gastrointestinal illness. Chlorophyllum molybdites, important in warmer regions, develops greenish gills and a green spore print. Smaller Lepiota species include dangerously poisonous mushrooms, so size, the complete stem base and all structural features matter.
Habitat and range
Saprotrophic in open woodland, woodland edges, grassland and calcareous coastal dunes. Most established records are European, so similar parasols elsewhere should be interpreted with regional species guides rather than assuming this name.
Food safety
Edible and good.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.
Species to compare
Similar mushrooms to compare against: