Cap |
Initially spherical and pale brown with a
darker brown area near the crown that breaks into scales, the cap
expends until it is flat with a small umbo.
The diameter at maturity varies between 10 and 25 cm. |
Gills |
The broad, crowded gills are white or pale
cream and free, terminating some distance from the stipe. |
Stipe |
A large double ring persists around the stem
but often becomes movable and falls to the base. The stem is smooth and
white or cream but decorated with small brown scales that often give it
a banded, snakeskin appearance. Inside the stem the tough, fibrous flesh
is loosely packed, and sometimes the stem is hollow.
Bulbous at the base, the stem tapers inwards towards the apex; the
diameter ranges from 1 to 1.5 cm, and the stem height can be up to 30
cm. |
Spore print |
White or pale cream. |
Odour/taste |
Odour not distinctive; taste sweet. |
Habitat |
In woodland clearings and in grassy areas
next to woodland. |
Season |
July to November. |
Occurrence |
Frequent. |
Similar species |
- Macrolepiota rhacoides,
the Shaggy Parasol, is smaller but with larger, reflexed scales and
a stipe that lacks the brown patterning.
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