Shaggy Mane Ink Cap
Coprinus comatus

Family: Coprinaceae

What it is like

A mushroom. The cap is barrel-shaped. It can be 15 cm long and 3-5 cm thick. It is white and covered with large shaggy scales. As the cap gets old a black ink like liquid drips from the gills. The spores are black.

It has medicinal benefits.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. It can grow in clusters or individually in fields.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central America, Chile, China, Costa Rica, East Africa, Europe, France, Georgia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Pakistan, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, South America, Southern Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

CAUTION It should not be eaten at the same time as drinking alcohol. The fruiting bodies are eaten when young. They can be baked, cooked with eggs, made into ketchup or simmered with butter. They need to be prepared and served quickly to avoid them going soft.

Edible parts

Fungus, mushroom

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chyapu, Fjallig blacksvamp, Gvelis soko, Guchi, Khumbhi, Klikchok, Lawyer's wig, Maotou guisan, Mertskhala, Shaggy Cap, Shaggy Ink Cap

Synonyms

Coprinus ovatus (Scop.) Fr.;