MushroomHub Logo

Shaggy Ink Cap (Coprinus comatus)

Shaggy ink cap mushrooms Coprinus comatus growing in large cluster in grass Shaggy ink cap mushroom Coprinus comatus dissolving into black ink on grassland floor

The Shaggy Ink Cap, also known as the Lawyer’s Wig, is a common and easily recognisable edible mushroom found throughout the UK. It often appears suddenly in grassland, lawns, roadside verges and even through cracks in tarmac. This species thrives in disturbed ground and can grow in clusters or lines. It is most commonly seen from late summer through autumn and is particularly noticeable because of its tall, white, shaggy appearance.

Shaggy Ink Caps are considered a good edible when picked young, but they have a very short shelf life. As they mature, the cap begins to liquefy into a black, inky fluid - a process known as deliquescence. This transformation can happen within hours of picking, so they must be cooked quickly. While safe to eat when properly identified and consumed fresh, they should never be confused with certain other ink caps that can cause adverse reactions when alcohol is consumed.

Identification Features:

  • Tall, cylindrical to bell-shaped cap
  • Cap is white with shaggy, upturned scales
  • Cap margin splits and curls upward as it matures
  • Gills start white, then turn pink, then black
  • Cap eventually dissolves into black ink
  • Stem is long, white and hollow
  • Movable ring present on the stem
  • No volva at the base
  • Flesh is soft and white
  • Spore print is black
  • Grows in:
    • Lawns
    • Parks
    • Road Verges
    • Disturbed Soil
  • Fruits late summer through autumn in the UK

Foraging Safety:

  • Only eat when young and gills are white
  • Do not eat once gills turn pink or black
  • Must not be confused with:
    • Common Ink Cap (Coprinopsis atramentaria)
  • Common Ink Cap can cause illness if alcohol is consumed
  • Shaggy Ink Cap itself is generally safe with alcohol, but misidentification is risky
  • Cook soon after picking - they deteriorate quickly
  • Avoid specimens:
    • Growing in polluted roadside soil
    • Already beginning to liquefy
  • Always check for:
    • Shaggy white cap
    • Cylindrical shape
    • Movable ring
  • If unsure - leave it out

Cooking Uses:

  • Mild, delicate flavour
  • Soft texture when cooked
  • Best used:
    • Sautéed in butter
    • In omelettes
    • In creamy sauces
  • Cook as soon as possible after harvesting
  • Discard stems if tough
  • Not suitable for drying
  • Do not store raw for long periods
  • Pairs well with:
    • Garlic
    • Cream
    • Parsley
  • Always cook thoroughly before eating

Video Recipe:

Mushroom Quiz 🍄

Question goes here