Common Inkcap
Coprinopsis atramentaria
Common Inkcap - Toxic with Alcohol
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Key Features
- Ovoid to bell-shaped greyish cap
- Gills liquefying into black ink
- Slender
- white
- hollow stem
- Fine brownish-grey scales on cap surface
- Found in grassy areas or near wood
Color:
Greyish-white cap, white stem, black gills
Smell:
No distinctive smell
Growth Pattern:
Clustered
Environment:
Grass
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Tall grass and meadow edges
Distribution:
Global temperate regions, common in Croatia
Seasonality:
Spring through Autumn
Economic Value
Market Demand:
None - toxic with alcohol
Price Range:
N/A
Commercial Use:
None
Toxicity Information
Symptoms:
- Facial flushing and neck redness
- Tachycardia and palpitations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
Onset Time:
5–30 minutes after alcohol consumption
First Aid:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Maintain hydration
- Avoid all alcohol products for 5 days
Emergency Contacts:
- 112 (Croatia)
- Poison Control Zagreb: +385 1 2348 342
Similar Species
Shaggy Mane
Coprinus comatus
Key Differences:
- Larger size
- Prominent shaggy white scales
- No coprine toxin
Mica Cap
Coprinellus micaceus
Key Differences:
- Smaller size
- Brownish cap
- Glistening mica-like particles on cap
Magpie Inkcap
Coprinopsis picacea
Key Differences:
- Darker cap with large white patches
- Found primarily in beech forests
- Unpleasant odor
Recommended Action
Do not consume; keep away from children and pets.