Knowledgebase

Mushrooms #839450

Asked July 07, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT

What kind of mushroom is this? A parasol or false parasol

Baltimore City County Maryland

Expert Response

We aren't able to ID this exact type of mushroom, and several can look nearly identical that vary in their level of toxicity (if eaten, not usually from touch) so we do not attempt to ID mushrooms with regards to edibility. Examination of spores under a microscope is sometimes needed to identify fungi. The fungus that produced it is probably growing on decaying organic matter in the soil below this area (either herbaceous, like from old grass roots, or on woody material, like from a long-removed tree or shrub). It also might be a type of mycorrhizal fungus if there is a tree or shrub in the area, as these fungi benefit roots by increasing how easily they can absorb moisture and nutrients from the surrounding soil. Some mushroom-producing fungi decay live wood but you tend to see those emerging directly from tree trunks or branches in that case. Given that, it's not expected to be harmful to any plants in the area, but if you are worried a child or pet might eat it, pluck it or keep them out of the area until it withers and disappears on its own, which won't take very long.

Miri

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