How to identify Scaly Parasol

To correctly identify Scaly Parasol (Lepiota cristata), 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.

   Convex to flat, with a dark brown or reddish-brown center and concentric scales radiating toward the margin on a whitish background.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Free, crowded, white to cream colored, sometimes becoming yellowish with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Slender, hollow, whitish with a pinkish tint; features a fragile, membranous ring that often disappears.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, white, and unchanging when sliced or damaged.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small agaricoid fungus with a pileus diameter of 2-5 cm.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Commonly found on lawns, in grassy areas, parks, leaf litter, and edge of woods during summer and autumn.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Scaly, reddish-brown to dark brown center

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious

Spore Print

White

Body color

Whitish background with reddish-brown scales

Odor

Strong and unpleasant

Flesh bruises

No significant color change

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

2-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Free from the stem
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, slender
• Stem surface: Smooth or slightly fibrous
• Ring: Membranous, often fragile and fleeting
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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