| Ecology & Habitat | Saprotrophic. Growing Singly, or Gregariously/Trooping (many individuals grown in a small area) Grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas with rich soil Grass |
| Cap | White with brownish scales, particularly at the center of the cap. Starting at the Margin, the cap will age to black and dissolving into ink until the entire cap is gone. |
| Gills | White gills turn black and dissolve into ink. |
| Stem | White and bruises Brownish |
| Spores | Black |
Coprinus comatus, commonly known as the shaggy mane, or shaggy ink cap, is characterized by its tall, slender stem, and its cylindrical to bell-shaped cap. The cap is covered in shaggy, white scales. As the mushroom matures, the cap begins to dissolve into a black, inky liquid, which contains the spores of the fungus. This process is known as deliquescence. It is commonly found in grassy areas, meadows, and woodlands. It is and edible mushroom when it is young (before it starts to turn black). It is a delicate mushroom and does not require long cooking times. There are other “ink cap” mushrooms that are edible as well, but some contain the compound Coprine. Coprine will make one very ill if alcohol has been consumed within a few days before or afterwards. So, as it is with any edible mushroom. Be sure you know exactly what it is you have found before considering adding it to your dinner plate.
