Cap |
Typically 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter and
initially 1 to 1.5 cm tall, flattening as they open out, the caps are at
first egg-shaped, then bell-shaped often with slightly upturned margins.
Beige when young, the pleated caps turn grey and then blacken
somewhat from the margin. |
Gills |
The adnate gills are white, turning grey and
then black as the spores mature. When fully mature they do not dissolve
rapidly into an inky fluid, as many of the ink caps do. |
Stipe |
The thin, hollows stems are white and very
fragile. |
Spore print |
Black. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
On and beside stumps and rotting wood. |
Season |
August to November. |
Occurrence |
Quite common, both in woodland and on stumps
in shaded hedgerows. |
Similar species |
- Coprinus micaceus grows in tufts, but rarely in such
massive groups; it has larger, tan caps which are covered in tiny
glistening veil fragments when young.
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