Coprinus comatus, commonly known as the shaggy mane or lawyer’s wig, is a distinct mushroom recognized by its tall, white, scaly cylindrical cap. I found a few emerging on the edge of our driveway today. As the mushroom matures, its gills turn pink and then undergo rapid self-digestion, melting into a black, inky liquid that spreads its spores. At the rate it was being eaten by the slug in the photo, I doubt it will reach that stage. For more information on this mushroom, follow the link below.

Tom Volk’s Fungus of the Month for May 2004

More diners may be found enjoying this nearby crop of Hypholoma genus mushrooms.