Shaggy Inkcap
by
Shop
Coprinopsis atramentaria
Easily recognizable from its almost cylindrical cap which initially covers most of its stem.
The cap ranges from 4–8 cm (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄4 in) in width and 6–20 cm (2+1⁄2–8 in) in height.
It is mostly white with shaggy scales, which are more pale brown at the apex.
The free gills change rapidly from white to pink, then deliquesces (melts) into a black liquid filled with spores (hence the "ink cap" name)
Common & widespread in Britain from Spring-Autumn.