Shaggy Mane
Coprinus comatus
Also known as: Lawyer's Wig, Shaggy Ink Cap
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Complete Taxonomy
Description
Coprinus comatus, the shaggy mane, is a distinctive edible mushroom with a white, cylindrical cap covered in shaggy scales. As it matures, the cap liquefies from bottom to top, turning into black inky liquid (autodigestion or deliquescence). This process releases spores and gives the mushroom its "ink cap" name. It must be consumed when young and firm, before the gills begin to liquefy. It grows in disturbed ground and is common in urban areas.
Physical Characteristics
Distribution
Worldwide in temperate regions
Habitat
Saprotroph on disturbed, nutrient-rich soil. Common in lawns, roadsides, waste ground, compost heaps, and recently disturbed areas.
Ecological Role
Decomposes organic matter in disturbed soils. Pioneer species in succession. Important in nutrient recycling in urban and agricultural landscapes.
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Must be consumed young before gills liquefy. Do not consume with alcohol (contains coprine, which causes unpleasant reaction with alcohol similar to disulfiram).
Medicinal & Nutritional Properties
- Good source of protein and minerals
- Contains antioxidants
- Low in calories
- Must be cooked fresh (degrades rapidly)
- Avoid alcohol consumption for 48 hours before and after eating
Cultural Significance
Popular edible mushroom when harvested young. Historical use of inky liquid for writing. Common in urban foraging. Must be eaten within hours of harvest. Appears seasonally in great numbers.
Fascinating Facts
- Liquefies into black ink within hours of picking
- Ink historically used for writing and drawing
- Must be eaten fresh - deteriorates within hours
- Contains coprine - avoid alcohol for 48 hours around consumption
- Can grow overnight and liquefy by afternoon
- Shaggy scales distinguish from other inkcaps
- Often appears in "fairy rings" or rows
- Deliquescence is spore dispersal mechanism