=Coprinus comatus=
=Pileus:= Egg-shaped in young specimens; at length
more cylindrical, and finally expanded, melting
away in inky fluid. Color, creamy white, becoming
black at edge with advancing age, as is also the
case with the shaggy points upon its surface, which
generally cover the pileus.
=Gills:= Crowded; equal in length; creamy white in
young specimens, becoming pink, brown, and finally
black, and always moist.
=Stem:= Cylindrical; creamy white; hollow, or with a
loose cottony pith.
=Spores:= Black, falling away in drops.
=Taste:= Sweet, which applies only to the pink or
white condition, at which time alone the species is
considered esculent.
=Habitat:= Lawns, pastures, gardens, and rich grounds
in the neighborhood of barns, etc.; usually grows
in dense clusters.
Diameter of cylindrical pileus in average specimens,
two inches.
One of the most easily identified of all mushrooms.