www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Saw a few large mushrooms at Ewyas Harold Common yesterday. Can anyone identify this species and satisfy my curiosity?

I think you'll find that's a Parasol Mushroom Dave. They get pretty big don't they

Trev

They are extremely good to eat, too. One large cap, lightly fried, on two slices of toast, makes a delicious breakfast.

Guy

Thanks for the ID, though I have to say I'm surprised they're edible. They look distinctly threatening to me.

See:

http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/ ... efault.asp

A useful diagnostic feature of the parasol mushroom is that the ring is mobile - you can slide it up and down the stalk. But I'd probably advise against eating mushrooms on the basis of an internet photo ID from people you've never met, regardless how much you might trust their butterfly IDs!! Every year people die in Switzerland from getting it wrong...

Guy

... and don't confuse it with the Shaggy Parasol, which can cause nasty stomach problems and allergic reactions in certain people.
Probably best to avoid eating that one

Trev

All things considered, I think I'll leave wild mushrooms alone (unless they're chanterelles, of course).

While we're on the subject of mushrooms, can anyone identify this rather spooky looking purple mushroom I found growing on a Beech forest floor? It was about 2 inches high.
Thanks
John

They look like Amethyst Deceiver (Mycena pura) - very pretty, but not a good idea to eat those either

PS: I have mentioned this guy before, but there is a truly fantastic website dedicated to mushroom photography by Taylor Lockwood.
His photos are stunning. Have a surf around here: http://www.fungiphoto.com/CTLG/a_sys/A.impct.html

Trev

Trev Sawyer wrote:They look like an Amythest Deceiver (Mycena pura) - very pretty, but not a good idea to eat those either

Thanks Trev. If you google "Amethyst Deceiver" it seems that some folk do eat them, but don't worry, I'm not tempted!

Cheers
John