Shaggy Ink Cap

Coprinus

The Shaggy Ink Cap looks like a little wizard's hat! It can change color and makes a black ink when it grows.

Habitat: In lawns and grassy areas

Appearance

The Shaggy Ink Cap is a tall, white mushroom with an elongated, shaggy cap covered in flaky scales. It starts out egg-shaped but soon bells out, darkening and dissolving into a black liquid 'ink' from the bottom edge upwards, which is visually distinct.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyAgaricaceaeGenusCoprinus

Shaggy Ink Cap

Interesting facts

Its 'ink' was once used to write letters and even sign important documents!

The cap digests itself so fast that you must cook it within hours of picking!

They often grow in groups, appearing like a small, white mushroom army.

This mushroom prefers disturbed areas where the ground has been recently changed.

Special abilities

Shaggy Ink Cap can melt into a dark liquid because of special enzymes that help them release their spores into the environment.

Shaggy Ink Cap has an ability to grow very quickly, sometimes appearing overnight, that helps them colonize new areas before competitors.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-20 cm
Edibility: edible
Cap Diameter: 3-10 cm
Growth Substrate: soil
Season: Spring to Fall
Spore Color: Black

Ecological connections

eaten by

Black slug

Arion ater

Slugs often graze on its young, tender caps.

eaten by

Fungus Gnat

Sciara analis

Its larvae burrow into and feed on the mushroom.

eats

Perennial Ryegrass

Lolium perenne

It breaks down dead grass roots in lawns and fields.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Spore Producing

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!