Scaly ink cap
Coprinopsis variegata
A species of Coprinopsis.
The Scaly Ink Cap (Coprinopsis variegata) is characterized by a tall, cylindrical, bell-shaped cap, which initially conceals gills that undergo a color transformation from white to vibrant pink and finally black. As the mushroom matures, its cap takes on a worn appearance, often appearing to slough off its outer layers in flakes. This species is frequently encountered on decaying logs and typically does not exceed a few inches in height.
In This Article
Attributes of Scaly ink cap
Cap Diameter
3 - 8 cm
Height
4 - 15 cm
Cap
Cap 8 cm across; oval to bell-shaped; whitish, gray to brown
Cap Shape
Bell-shaped
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
free; crowded; white, grayish, purplish gray, black
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 4 - 12 cm long, 1 cm thick; white; felty, wooly
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Fibrillose
Flesh
Thin; whitish
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Black to blackish brown
Odor
Generally inoffensive or slightly unpleasant.
Body Color
BrownYellowGrayWhitePurple
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Gregarious, Clustered
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
Dead Woods
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Scaly ink cap
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Gilled fungi
Family
Coprinaceae
Genus
Coprinopsis
Toxicity and Edibility of Scaly ink cap
Is Scaly ink cap Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
