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Magpie inkcap

Coprinopsis picacea

A species of Coprinopsis

The magpie inkcap is a striking and poisonous species of inkcap that can be found in Europe, Australia, and North America. The species has an egg-shaped cap that is typical to inkcaps, but its coloration sets it apart; white spots or splotches adorn a solid, dark brown or black background, reminiscent of the coloration of a magpie.

Cap Diameter:

7 - 8 cm

Odor:

Faint, nondescript mushroom smell.

General Info About Magpie inkcap

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Attributes of Magpie inkcap

Cap Diameter

7 - 8 cm

Height

12 - 25 cm

Cap

Cap 7 - 8 cm across; egg-shaped; dark brown; covered by a whitish veil

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Adnate, free; crowded; whitish, blackening with age

Gill Attachment

Free to Attached

Stem

Stem 12 - 20 cm long, 6 - 15 mm thick; cylindrical; white; with finely scurfy

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Fibrous, watery consistency; whitish

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Black

Odor

Faint, nondescript mushroom smell.

Body Color

Brown

White

Cream

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods, Wood Chips or Mulch

You can find Magpie inkcap by these plants:

European beech, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Magpie inkcap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Magpie inkcap

The magpie inkcap is commonly found in deciduous forests along paths and in damp, shady grassland areas. It grows on the ground and it's said to prefer alkaline soil.

Distribution Area of Magpie inkcap

North America,Europe

Scientific Classification of Magpie inkcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Coprinaceae

Genus

Coprinopsis

Toxicity and Edibility of Magpie inkcap

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Is Magpie inkcap Toxic?

The beautiful cap of the magpie inkcap (Coprinopsis picacea) is one best left for the camera lens to enjoy, as it contains some very potent poison. They can very easily be misidentified as one of their non-toxic family members, so extreme caution should be used when trying to identify any Inkcap. In some people, this mushroom can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal upset.

Similar Species to Magpie inkcap

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Tips for Finding Magpie inkcap

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Magpie inkcap

Prefers alkaline, chalky soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Magpie inkcap

Search around the base of beech trees in deciduous woodlands for solitary or small groups of magpie inkcap.
Look for magpie inkcap in grassy areas that are damp, shaded, and have a collection of fallen hardwood debris.
Investigate well-shaded soil that appears alkaline or is on chalky ground, as magpie inkcap has an affinity for these conditions.
Carefully examine areas with less foot traffic, as magpie inkcap is not typically found in abundance and may be overlooked.
Use a gentle touch when exploring since magpie inkcap can be delicate and inconspicuous against the forest floor.

How to Clean and Preserve Magpie inkcap

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is the magpie inkcap poisonous?

Where does magpie inkcap grow?

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