How to identify American Parasol

To correctly identify American Parasol (Cystoderma amianthinum), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is typically 1-5 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and has a granular to powdery surface. The color ranges from yellowish-brown to saffron.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to slightly decurrent, crowded, and whitish to pale yellow.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is slender, 2-6 cm long, and has a granular surface below a ring zone. The color is similar to the cap or slightly paler.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and whitish to pale yellow.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized mushroom with a granular cap surface.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in coniferous forests, often in mossy areas or near decaying wood.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Granular to powdery

Growth Form

Pileate

Spore Print

White to cream

Body color

Yellowish-brown to saffron

Odor

Mild, earthy

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise

Height

2-6 cm

Cap Diameter

1-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Granular below ring zone
• Ring: Ring zone present, often indistinct
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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