Green-spored lepiotas are large, white, with broad, cream-colored scales on the cap, white gills that turn gray green, and a stalk ring. July–September. The cap is round, becoming flat; white, with large whitish, pinkish, or cream-colored patches in the center; patches breaking into many small scales when the cap is open. The gills are broad, their spacing close; white, becoming gray green or darker; the attachment free. The stalk enlarges toward the base; white, darkening when handled; the texture smooth; the upper stalk has a ring. A partial veil leaves a ring on the stalk resembling a napkin ring. The spore print is green. Spores magnified are elliptical, smooth, with small pore at the tip.
Typically grows in lawns and meadows, often in a circular pattern called a "fairy ring."
This species is sometimes called the "green gill" to distinguish it from similar species, which have white or cream gills and spores.
Lookalikes: There are several.
- Most true lepiota species have white spore prints. The green-spored lepiota is sometimes called the "green gill" to distinguish it from several similar species, which typically have white or cream gills and spores. Note that the green-spored lepiota is not included in genus Lepiota.
- The reddening lepiota (Leucoagaricus americanus) bruises red.
- The parasol (Macrolepiota procera) has a tall, slender, scaly stalk.
- Agaricus species have brown spore prints.
- Thiers amanita (Amanita thiersii) has a white spore print.
- Shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus) has a cylindrical cap, turning inky with age, and black spores.
Cap width: 2–12 inches; stalk length: 3–10 inches; stalk width: ¼–1 inch.
Statewide.
Habitat and Conservation
This mushroom is found in summer and fall, on the ground in lawns, pastures, and fields. They often appear in “fairy rings,” emerging as a circle of mushrooms. The circle results from the growth pattern of the parent fungus, which lives in the soil. As it feeds, it depletes nutrients and expands outward, getting larger every year.
Status
Poisonous. This very common mushroom is not deadly, but it can make you very sick. Although these mushrooms can be quite large and abundant, do not eat them. They can cause violent gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea severe enough to require hospitalization. Prevent your children and pets from eating them, too.
Life Cycle
Mushrooms exist most of the time underground or within rotting logs as a network of cells (mycelium) connected to tree roots, rotting material, and the soil. When ready to reproduce, the mycelium forms the aboveground mushroom; these are reproductive structures. Spores are produced in the gills and are released to begin new mycelia elsewhere. The mycelium of a mushroom can live for decades.
Human Connections
These large, attractive mushrooms often appear on lawns. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly consume these poisonous mushrooms. The immature “button” stage can look like the familiar grocery store mushroom. Never eat a wild mushroom unless you’re 100 percent sure of its identity.
Ecosystem Connections
Fungi are vitally important for a healthy ecosystem. Many form symbiotic relationships with roots of many trees, helping them to survive. Fungi also feed on decomposing materials, such as fallen leaves and logs, cleaning the forest and helping nutrients to cycle back into the soil.
Mushrooms are a lot like plants, but they lack chlorophyll and have to take nutrients from other materials. Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. They are in a different kingdom — the fungi. Fungi include the familiar mushroom-forming species, plus the yeasts, molds, smuts, and rusts.
Always be cautious when eating edible mushrooms. Be absolutely sure of the ID, and only eat a small amount the first time you try it to avoid a reaction..