At No Scoop 4 U, we love safe, happy yards—and that means looking out for more than just poop. One hidden hazard that often appears in lawns after rain is the Green-spored Parasol mushroom (Chlorophyllum molybdites). It might look like a fairytale toadstool, but this mushroom is highly toxic to both humans and dogs.
Let’s break down how to identify, remove, and stay safe around these mushrooms.
🧠 Quick Facts:
-
Common Name: Green-spored Parasol, False Parasol
-
Scientific Name: Chlorophyllum molybdites
-
Toxic? Yes – to dogs, humans, and other pets
-
Psychedelic? No
-
Edible? Definitely not
🔍 How to Identify Chlorophyllum molybdites
You’ll often see them:
-
🌧️ After rain or heavy humidity
-
🌿 In well-watered lawns or mulched garden beds
-
👀 Standing tall with a large cap that flattens with age
Key features:
-
⚪ Big, white to tan cap with scaly texture
-
🔄 Ring (annulus) around the stem
-
🌱 Grows in grassy areas, often in clusters or “fairy rings”
-
💚 Green spore print (hard to see without testing, but key to definitive ID)
🚨 Why They’re Dangerous
Ingestion of this mushroom can lead to serious symptoms in both humans and pets:
Dogs may experience:
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhea
-
Drooling
-
Weakness
-
Possible tremors or dehydration
-
Emergency vet intervention may be required
Humans may experience:
-
Severe gastrointestinal distress
-
Cramping, nausea, and dehydration
-
Hospital visits are common due to the intensity
✅ What to Do If You Find These in Your Yard
-
🧤 Wear gloves to avoid touching them directly
-
🌿 Pull up the entire mushroom, including the underground base
-
🗑️ Place in a sealed bag and dispose of in the trash (not compost!)
-
🚫 Never mow over mushrooms – this spreads their spores
-
🐶 Keep dogs and kids away until the area is cleared
❓ FAQ: Can I apply a fungicide to get rid of these mushrooms?
Answer:
Unfortunately, no lawn-safe fungicide will eliminate these mushrooms directly. That’s because:
-
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of underground fungi.
-
The real culprit is a fungal mycelium network living in your soil.
-
Most fungicides on the market are ineffective at killing this underground network, especially in residential lawns.
Instead, focus on prevention:
-
Reduce excess moisture (avoid overwatering)
-
Improve lawn drainage and aeration
-
Regularly remove grass clippings and organic debris
-
Reseed patchy areas to reduce thatch and shade
If mushrooms keep returning, you might consider a soil test or consult a turf management professional.
💚 We’re Here to Help
At No Scoop 4 U, we go beyond just scooping poop—we’re your partner in keeping your yard healthy and hazard-free.
📸 If you’re unsure about a mushroom in your yard, send us a picture. Better safe than sorry.
Think your pet have eaten something toxic? Visit ASPCA Poison Control
For more information visit NoScoop4U.com
Interested in our service? Get a free instant quote!
📌 Share This Post
Protect your neighbors’ pets too! Share this blog on social media to help raise awareness in your community.
