Sarah Brown
Shaggy Mane mushrooms (Coprinus comatus) are considered a choice edible mushroom, especially when young, before the gills start to turn black. They are easily recognizable from their almost cylindrical cap, which initially covers most of its stem. The cap ranges from 4–8 cm (1+5⁄8–3+1⁄8 in) in width and 6–20 cm (2+3⁄8–7+7⁄8 in) in height. It is mostly white with shaggy scales, which are more pale brown at the apex. The free gills change rapidly from white to pink, then deliquesce into a black liquid filled with spores, giving it the name ink cap. Shaggy Mane mushrooms are often found growing in rich soils and grass in the summer and fall, and near roads and trails. While they are considered edible, it is important to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms and to avoid consuming them with alcohol due to potential interactions that can cause serious illness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coprinus comatus |
| Common Names | Shaggy Mane, Lawyer's Wig, Shaggy Ink Cap |
| Edibility | Edible and considered a choice edible mushroom |
| Taste | Mild, delicate |
| Texture | Succulent, not slimy |
| Confusion with | Magpie fungus, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Coprinopsis atramentaria |
| Toxicity | Not hallucinogenic but causes coprine poisoning if consumed with alcohol |
| Symptoms of Poisoning | Vomiting, diarrhoea, palpitations, nausea, headache, weakness, metallic taste in mouth |
| Precautions | Avoid consuming alcohol 72 hours before or after eating the mushroom |
| Habitat | Found in rich soils, compost, grass, disturbed soils near trails and roads, golf courses, city parks, front lawns, trail-sides |
| Colour | Dusky grey, white, pinkish, brown, black |
| Shape | Cylindrical cap, stem extending up through encircling gills |
| Height | 6-20 cm |
| Width | 4-8 cm |
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What You'll Learn
Shaggy Mane mushrooms are edible and delicious
Shaggy Mane mushrooms are easily recognizable from their almost cylindrical cap, which initially covers most of their stem. The cap ranges from 4–8 cm (1+5⁄8–3+1⁄8 in) in width and 6–20 cm (2+3⁄8–7+7⁄8 in) in height. It is mostly white with shaggy scales, which are more pale brown at the apex. The gills change rapidly from white to pink, then deliquesce (melt) into a black liquid filled with spores, giving rise to their other name, "ink cap".
When preparing Shaggy Mane mushrooms, it is important to note that they should be cooked soon after picking, as they will turn black if not cooked. They can be cut lengthwise into halves, washed under running water (not soaked!), drained, and sautéed in butter over moderate to low heat for five to ten minutes. They are delicious served on crisp buttered toast or soda crackers.
It is important to exercise caution when consuming Shaggy Mane mushrooms, as they are part of the Inky Cap family, and consuming them with alcohol can lead to negative reactions. Some individuals have reported temporary symptoms such as red ears and nose, light-headedness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, palpitations, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These reactions are due to the presence of a compound called "coprine" in the mushrooms, which interferes with the way alcohol is metabolized. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from consuming alcohol within 72 hours before or after eating Shaggy Mane mushrooms.
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They are also known as 'Lawyer's Wig' and 'Shaggies'
Shaggy mane mushrooms are also known as "lawyer's wig" and "shaggies". They are easily identifiable by their shaggy, hairy appearance, which is where their name comes from. They are cylindrical in shape, with a cap that initially covers most of the stem. The cap is mostly white with shaggy scales, which are pale brown at the apex. The cap can range from 4-8 cm in width and 6-20 cm in height.
Shaggy mane mushrooms are a choice edible mushroom, especially when they are young, before the gills start to turn black. They are considered a gourmet edible and are a favourite among mushroom hunters. They are often found growing in rich soils and grass in the summer and fall, and are known to grow in disturbed soils near trails and roads. They can grow singly or in tightly packed groups.
Shaggy mane mushrooms are also known for their auto-destruct mechanism, where the cap starts to separate and turn into ink. This process is called deliquescing, and it helps with spore dispersal. The mushroom turns into a black, inky mess within 48 hours of appearing.
While shaggy mane mushrooms are considered edible, it is important to note that there are potential interactions between alcohol and compounds in the mushroom that can cause serious illness. It is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol within 72 hours before or after eating these mushrooms. Some people have reported feeling strange after consuming shaggy mane mushrooms, but this is not uncommon for people to have strange reactions to various types of fungi.
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They should not be consumed with alcohol
Shaggy Mane mushrooms (Coprinus comatus) are considered a delicacy by most people. They are easily recognisable by their shaggy, white caps, which turn black and liquefy as the mushroom matures. Shaggy Mane mushrooms are commonly found growing in rich soils and grass in the summer and fall, often near roads.
Shaggy Mane mushrooms are edible and can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming this mushroom, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals, resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. It is recommended that these mushrooms are consumed soon after being picked, as they tend to turn black quickly.
While Shaggy Mane mushrooms are not hallucinogenic, they should not be consumed with alcohol. This is because the mushrooms contain a compound called coprine, which interferes with the way the body metabolises alcohol. When coprine and alcohol are combined, it can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These symptoms are similar to those of a severe hangover and can occur even if alcohol is consumed within a few days of eating the mushroom.
The confusion around the safety of consuming Shaggy Mane mushrooms with alcohol arises from their resemblance to other mushrooms in the Inky Cap family, specifically the Common Ink Cap (Coprinopsis atramentaria or Coprinus atramentarius). The Common Ink Cap contains coprine, which can induce coprine poisoning when consumed with alcohol. This compound is also present in other Coprinus species but not in Shaggy Mane mushrooms. However, it is always wise to be cautious and avoid consuming any mushrooms with alcohol unless you are certain of their identification and safety.
Therefore, while Shaggy Mane mushrooms are a delicious treat, it is important to refrain from consuming them with alcohol to avoid any potential negative interactions and health risks. It is always advisable to be cautious and well-informed when foraging and consuming wild mushrooms.
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They can be cultivated and are sold in grocery stores in China
Shaggy mane mushrooms are considered a gourmet edible and are a favourite among mushroom hunters. They are easily identifiable by their conical caps with shaggy upturned scales, and are also known as "lawyer's wigs". Shaggy manes are saprophytic and grow well on compost, but can also grow on wood like many other gourmet mushrooms. They are often found in suburban areas, making them ideal mushrooms for beginner foragers.
In China, shaggy mane mushrooms are cultivated for culinary purposes. They are grown in cooler temperatures on synthetic wood logs. The mushrooms are harvested, dried to prevent auto-digestion, and sold in grocery stores. Shaggy manes are also cultivated in Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland.
Shaggy mane mushrooms are one of the easier mushrooms to grow at home, both indoors and outdoors. They can be grown on substrates made with an equal mix of pasteurized sawdust or straw with cow or horse manure. However, they are not commonly cultivated commercially outside of China because they need to be used soon after harvesting.
Shaggy mane mushrooms have a unique auto-destruct mechanism, which makes them best enjoyed when young, before the cap starts to separate and turn into ink. They should be used immediately after harvesting and are best if not stored overnight. To preserve shaggy mane mushrooms, they can be dehydrated, and dried versions can be found in some supermarkets.
It is important to note that while shaggy mane mushrooms are edible, some people have reported strange reactions after consuming them, such as feeling strange for about 20 minutes. It is always important to be cautious when consuming any type of mushroom and to be 100% sure of its identification before consumption.
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They are not hallucinogenic but can cause strange feelings for 20 minutes
Shaggy mane mushrooms (Coprinus comatus) are considered a choice edible mushroom and are a favourite among mushroom hunters. They are not hallucinogenic but can cause strange feelings for 20 minutes, as one person who consumed them reports: "I feel strange for about 20 minutes—quite similar to a migraine aura—not particularly pleasant, but it's not uncommon for people to report strange reactions to many types of fungi".
Shaggy manes are easily recognisable from their almost cylindrical cap, which initially covers most of their stem. The cap ranges from 4–8 cm (1+5⁄8–3+1⁄8 in) in width and 6–20 cm (2+3⁄8–7+7⁄8 in) in height. It is mostly white with shaggy scales, which are more pale brown at the apex. The free gills change rapidly from white to pink, then deliquesce (melt) into a black liquid filled with spores (hence the "ink cap" name). The entire process might be completed in 48 hours.
Shaggy manes are saprophytic and grow well on compost, but can also grow on wood like many other gourmet mushrooms. They are often found growing in rich soils and grass in the summer and fall, and seem to like disturbed soils near trails and roads. They can grow singly, but most often fruit in large groups, so if you find one, you are likely to find many more.
Extreme caution must be taken to not consume any alcohol within 72 hours before or after eating shaggy manes. This is because they contain a compound called "coprine" which interferes with the way we metabolise alcohol. When coprine and alcohol are combined, it can cause relatively severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, palpitations and a metallic taste in the mouth. In fact, consuming alcohol with shaggy manes can be like getting a really bad hangover instantly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, shaggy mane mushrooms are not hallucinogenic. However, they are reported to cause strange reactions in some people, such as a sensation similar to a migraine aura.
Yes, shaggy mane mushrooms are edible and considered a delicacy by some. They are commonly found in gourmet dishes and are described as having a delicate flavor and a succulent texture.
Shaggy mane mushrooms should be prepared soon after picking as they tend to turn black quickly. They can be cut in half, washed, drained, and sautéed in butter over moderate to low heat. They are often served on toast or crackers.
Shaggy mane mushrooms grow in rich soils and grass during the summer and fall. They are commonly found near trails, roads, golf courses, parks, and lawns. They often grow in large groups, so if you find one, you are likely to find more.
Yes, it is important to be cautious when consuming any wild mushroom, including shaggy mane mushrooms. It is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol within 72 hours before or after eating these mushrooms due to potential negative interactions. Additionally, ensure that the mushrooms are sourced from areas free of chemical pollutants and pesticides.
