Common names: plantpot dapperling, Yellow Houseplant Mushroom, flowerpot parasol.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is a species of gilled mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. It is common in the tropics and subtropics, but in temperate regions frequently occurs in greenhouses and flowerpots, hence its common names of flowerpot parasol and plantpot dapperling. The fruit body is mildly poisonous, if consumed in large quantities.
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is a small to medium-sized mushroom with a bright yellow to orange cap, typically 1-4 cm in diameter, and a slender stem. It grows in clusters on soil, dung, and decaying organic matter. In East and Central Texas, it is commonly found in gardens, greenhouses, and outdoor areas with rich soil, often near plants such as palms, ferns, and bromeliads. Fruitings typically occur from spring to fall, with a peak in summer months. The species is widely distributed in the region and can be abundant in some areas, particularly where moisture and nutrients are plentiful.
Plantpot dapperling mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) in TAMU Holistic Garden in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, September 20, 2009
Yellow parasol mushroom (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Lepiota lutea) at Lost Pines Trail in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, June 16, 2012
Yellow pot-plant mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on Forest Service Road 203 in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 28, 2013
Yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Lepiota lutea) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 5, 2013
Dry yellow parasol mushroom (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Lepiota lutea) on Lost Pines Trail in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 5, 2013
Young yellow parasol mushroom (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Lepiota lutea) on Lost Pines Trail in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 5, 2013
Yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 8, 2017
Close up of yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 8, 2017
Yellow pot-plant mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on mulch under a live oak on New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, July 10, 2018
Group of yellow pot-plant mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on mulch under a live oak on New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, July 10, 2018
Masses of yellow pot-plant mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on mulch under a live oak on New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, July 10, 2018
Yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) under oaks on New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, September 14, 2018
Yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on wood chips on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, September 14, 2018
Yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on mulch under a live oak at New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, October 1, 2018
Young and mature yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on mulch under a live oak at New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, October 1, 2018
Masses of yellow parasol mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on mulch under a live oak at New Main Drive on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, October 1, 2018
Yellow pot-plant mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) among periwinkle near Civil Engineering Building on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, September 22, 2019
Plantpot dapperling mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) in grass on a pipeline right of way in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 1, 2021
Plantpot dapperling mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) with a cross section on a pipeline right of way in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 1, 2021
Plantpot dapperling mushroom (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on a fallen oak with resurrection fern in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 6, 2021
Plantpot dapperling mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, August 25, 2022
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Leucocoprinus birnbaumii in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows in various environments, including gardens, parks, and forests. It has been spotted in mulch, wood chips, and soil under live oaks, as well as on fallen trees and among periwinkle plants. The mushrooms have been found in multiple locations, including College Station, Bastrop, and Richards, Texas, between 2009 and 2022. They typically appear in late summer to early fall, with some observations in June and July. The fungus grows in masses, with both young and mature mushrooms present at the same time. It is often found in areas with rich organic matter, such as mulch and wood chips, suggesting a preference for nutrient-rich environments. Overall, Leucocoprinus birnbaumii appears to be a common and widespread species in East and Central Texas.