Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer’s Wig Coprinus comatus (O.F. Müll.) Pers. (illustrated (d) 45% life size) Cap 5–15cm high, cylindrical; white, buff at the centre; cuticle breaking up into large, shaggy, brownish-tipped white scales. Stem 100–370×10–25mm, swollen, sometimes rooting at the base; white; ring white and loose, often falling to the base of the stem. Flesh smell faint and pleasant. Gills free; white, then pink or vinaceous, finally black and deliquescing. Spores almond-shaped, 10–13×6.5–8¼. Spore print brownish-black. Habitat in grass on lawns, roadsides, or rubbish heaps, particularly on recently disturbed soil; late summer to autumn. Very common. Edible good while gills are still white.
