The Shaggy Parasol Mushroom fruits in late summer, often into the chill of fall. It likes disturbed areas or under spruce, juniper or cedar. I find them growing out in the open, right in town.
There is another mushroom called the vomiter (Chlorophyllum molybdites) that the shaggy parasol can look like them when young. The vomiter is properly named as you will vomit for hours if you consume it, on the hand, the shaggy parasol is delicious.
The shaggy parasol is one of many city edibles that can be found in urban settings. The flavour of shaggy parasol can be strong, earthy, and a bit nutlike. The cap is delicate and good to eat, but the stem is quite tough and should be discarded before consuming this mushroom.
I have been in a dither whether I would add this mushroom as there are many look-alikes in the amanita varieties that can make you sick or worse. You must be very careful when harvesting these, if you are unsure, do a spore print, if the print is white it’s good if the spore print is green, drop it like a hot potato.
It has a double ring, check to see if it has detached and is able to be moved up and down the stem as this is a good indicator that it’s shaggy, I think they are a beautiful mushroom, but please do not eat without being 100% positive that this is a shaggy parasol. Another good way to check is to scrape the bottom of the stem and if it stains red, it’s a shaggy.
You should be sure to eat just a bit at first to be sure you have no reaction. Chlorophyllum molybdites can grow in similar locations and bear a passing resemblance. It only shows greenish gills with age, otherwise white. You can’t take chances with this one. Be sure! Consulting a mycologist or experienced mushroomer is always a good idea.