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Young green-spored parasol with brown cap scales growing in grass
Poisonousexpert-only

Green-spored Parasol

Chlorophyllum molybdites / False parasol, Vomiter

A large lawn parasol with brown cap scales, a movable ring, and gills that turn gray-green as its green spores mature.

Photo: Public domain, CC0
Compiled by Mushroom Forage Map field deskExpert review pendingLast reviewed
Toxicity warning

Poisonous and capable of causing severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Never use cap shape alone to identify a parasol.

Season
Warm, wet weather from spring through fall
Habitat
Lawns, parks, golf courses, and grassy disturbed soil
Underside
Free gills changing white to gray-green
Spore evidence
Dull green

Observation season

When field records occur

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Lookalikes to rule out

Shaggy Parasol

toxic confusion

Chlorophyllum rhacodes has coarser shaggy scales, reddish bruising, and a white spore print, but the group still requires expertise.

Meadow mushrooms develop pink then chocolate gills and a chocolate-brown print.

Amanita species

deadly

Dig the entire stem base to check for a bulb or volva; white-gilled Amanita can overlap when young.

Identification

Young caps are rounded, then expand into broad parasols with a pale background and flat tan to brown scales. The tall stem carries a thick ring that can often slide. Gills are free from the stem and begin white, becoming gray-green only as spores mature.

Make a full spore print on white and dark paper. The dull green print is the decisive field clue, but waiting for it does not make a meal candidate safe. Young specimens can have white gills and are commonly mistaken for edible parasols.

Why it matters

This warm-climate lawn mushroom is among the most frequently ingested toxic mushrooms in the United States. Poisoning usually produces intense gastrointestinal illness, sometimes including bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Children and pets encounter it in yards as well as adults seeking edible parasols.

Remove fruiting bodies from play areas using gloves or a tool if accidental eating is a concern; touching the mushroom does not cause poisoning.

Memorable fact

Its green spores supplied the scientific name: molybdites refers to a lead-green color.

Sources

Never eat a mushroom from this page alone

Reach 100% certainty using the whole specimen, multiple reputable sources, and a qualified local expert. Cook all wild mushrooms, try a small amount of one new species, and keep an uncooked specimen.

Safety and poison response
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