Shaggy Ink Caps

Also known as Lawyer's Wig or Shaggy Mane, the Shaggy Ink Cap (Coprinus comatus) is a tall, white, bell-shaped mushroom found in lawns, grass verges and recently disturbed soil.

The white caps have shaggy scales, and the gills turn from white to black as they mature, liquefying in age to black 'ink'. They should be collected when very young, before they start to produce ink, then fried in butter or baked in cream.

Beginners must take care when collecting this variety, since it can bear a superficial resemblance to several poisonous mushrooms.