The Pleated Inkcap, Parasola plicatilis, frequently appears in lawns and grassy areas, often prompting concern about its safety. This small mushroom belongs to the inkcap family, which has a mixed reputation for edibility and toxicity. The Parasola plicatilis species is not considered poisonous, but it is also not recommended for consumption. Its scientific classification and chemical composition confirm it poses no threat of poisoning.
The Direct Answer: Toxicity Status
The Pleated Inkcap is scientifically classified as non-toxic and is not known to cause poisoning if accidentally ingested. Unlike some of its relatives, this species does not produce dangerous mycotoxins that would pose a threat to human health. Therefore, it is generally safe in the sense that it will not cause severe toxic reactions.
While not poisonous, the Pleated Inkcap is universally regarded as inedible by mycologists. This classification stems from its physical characteristics rather than inherent danger. The mushroom has extremely thin flesh and a cap that rarely exceeds 3.5 centimeters in width, offering virtually no substance or culinary value.
The brief lifespan of the mushroom also contributes to its inedible status. The entire fruiting body appears, disperses spores, and shrivels quickly, often within a single day. This ephemeral nature means that even if one wished to consume it, the window of opportunity before it begins to collapse is very narrow.
Identifying the Pleated Inkcap
Accurate identification is important, as the Pleated Inkcap must be distinguished from other small fungi. The most distinguishing feature of Parasola plicatilis is its cap, which is deeply grooved with radial lines extending from the center, giving it a pleated appearance. The cap is initially yellowish-brown but quickly turns gray, retaining a small, darker “eye” at the center.
The entire structure of the mushroom is extremely fragile, with a slender, hollow stem that can reach up to 100 millimeters in length but is only a few millimeters thick. This white stem lacks a ring or any remnants of a veil, unlike many other small mushrooms. The Pleated Inkcap is a saprobic mushroom, meaning it grows on decaying organic matter, and is most commonly found growing alone or scattered in grassy areas and lawns.
When the mushroom matures, its gills turn from white to black, releasing a black spore print. A distinction from some other inkcaps is that the cap tends to shrivel and flatten rather than fully dissolving into a black, inky liquid, a process called deliquescence. This fungus is a common sight in lawns, especially after rainfall.
Understanding Inkcap Confusion
Confusion surrounding the Pleated Inkcap’s safety stems from the notorious reputation of other species within the broader inkcap group. The term “inkcap” refers to mushrooms historically in the genus Coprinus, now distributed across genera like Coprinopsis and Parasola. The most notable toxic member is the Common Inkcap, Coprinopsis atramentaria.
This particular species contains the compound Coprine, which is responsible for a specific type of poisoning. When Coprine is consumed, it interferes with the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. This leads to a disulfiram-like reaction if alcohol is consumed up to several days after eating the mushroom. Symptoms include flushing of the face and neck, palpitations, headache, and vomiting.
Parasola plicatilis does not contain Coprine or related enzymes, meaning it does not cause this adverse reaction when consumed with alcohol. Separating the Pleated Inkcap from its more dangerous relatives is a key distinction for safety. The absence of the Coprine compound reinforces its non-poisonous status, isolating it from the toxicity concerns associated with the Common Inkcap.