Zontyk or parasolka: which is correct

A tall mushroom with a folding, scaly cap on a slender stem with a movable ring — some call it *zontyk*, others *parasolka*. It's the same mushroom (parasol mushroom, Macrolepiota procera), just two names.

Which name is correct

*Parasolka* is a native Ukrainian word, so *hryb-parasolka* is the most correct name.
*Zontyk* is a calque from Russian that caught on widely in everyday speech and even in some reference books.

Both are understood, but in Ukrainian text it's more natural to say *parasolka*. The mushroom really does look like an open umbrella — hence the name.

Why it's prized

The parasol mushroom is a tasty edible; its open caps are even fried like a steak. We've covered where and when to pick parasols separately. For a detailed portrait, see our piece on the parasol mushroom.

The main warning

A young parasol, while its cap is still closed, is easy to confuse with poisonous mushrooms — including the deadly death cap and small Lepiota species (dapperlings). Key features of a mature parasol:

a large scaly cap (10–30 cm) with a bump in the center;
a movable ring that slides freely along the stem;
a stem with a distinctive “snakeskin” pattern;
no sac-like volva at the base (the death cap has one).

Never pick young unopened “eggs” — that's when the risk of a mix-up is greatest.

Sources

“Identification Guide to the Fungi of Ukraine” (Kyiv, Naukova Dumka publishing house).
Macrolepiota procera in GBIF, the global biodiversity database.
Macrolepiota procera on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

Zontyk or parasolka — which is correct?

In Ukrainian, *parasolka* is more correct: it's a native word. *Zontyk* is a calque from Russian, though a common one.

Is it one mushroom or two?

One. *Hryb-zontyk* and *hryb-parasolka* are two names for Macrolepiota procera.

Why is the mushroom called that?

Because of its shape: the open cap on a tall stem looks like an open umbrella.

Is the parasol edible?

Yes, the mature parasol mushroom is a tasty edible species. Mostly the caps are taken; the stems are tough.

What can the parasol be confused with?

A young unopened parasol can be confused with the death cap and poisonous Lepiota species. That's why young unopened mushrooms are left alone.

How do you tell a parasol from the death cap?

The parasol has a movable ring and no volva at the base; its cap is large, scaly, with a bump. The death cap has a sac-like volva, and its ring doesn't move.