Shaggy Mane
Coprinus comatus
Identification: Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane)
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Key Features
- Cylindrical
- elongated cap shape
- Dense
- shaggy
- upward-pointing white scales
- Gills are crowded
- free
- and pure white when immature
- Grows terrestrially in grass or disturbed soil
Color:
White cap and stem; apex often slightly brownish/pinkish
Smell:
No distinctive smell
Growth Pattern:
Single
Environment:
Grass
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Lawns, parks, roadsides, disturbed ground
Distribution:
Cosmopolitan (North America, Europe, Asia)
Seasonality:
Late Summer through Autumn
Economic Value
Market Demand:
Moderate - Highly prized by some foragers, but difficult to market commercially.
Price Range:
N/A (Rarely sold commercially due to rapid deterioration)
Commercial Use:
None (Rapid deliquescence prevents standard commercial distribution)
Similar Species
Common Ink Cap
Coprinopsis atramentaria
Key Differences:
- Cap is gray/brown, not shaggy white
- Cap surface is smooth or finely scaly, not densely shaggy
- Often grows in dense clusters
Glistening Inkcap
Coprinellus micaceus
Key Differences:
- Smaller size, fragile structure
- Cap covered in fine, glistening granules, not shaggy scales
- Typically clustered on wood or buried wood
Recommended Action
Confirm identification by observing spore print (black) and rapid deliquescence. Do not consume without absolute certainty.