Pictured is Coprinus comatus, commonly known as the shaggy ink cap, shaggy mane, or lawyer’s wig.
Description:
The shaggy mane is a common white mushroom normally found growing in clusters. The cap is oblong and oval shaped when young and expands outward with age. It is white and covered in shaggy scales with a brownish top. Sometimes the scales also appear slightly tan to brown. As these fungi age, the crowded white gills quickly turn pink, then turn black and dissolve into an inky goo. The stem is smooth, white, and hollow with a fibrous inner portion. The stem also has a small delicate ring present just below the gills.
Habitat:
These are most commonly found growing in fields and yards, but can also be found in forests, near pathways, and in flowerbeds.
Season:
These fungi are widely distributed across North America as well as Europe. It can normally be found growing from late summer to late fall.
Edibility:
These mushrooms are edible while still white and have a short period of time when they can be harvested. This species has a very mild flavor and a mushroomy smell. The texture is very soft and delicate but has to be cooked quickly or with hot oil to prevent it from liquefying.
Look-a-likes:
These mushrooms do not have any true look-a-likes, but the closest would be Coprinus atramentarius. Although these mushrooms are vastly different in appearance, it is the closest to a look-a-like.
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