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Scaly ink cap

Coprinopsis variegata

A species of Coprinopsis

The scaly ink cap (Coprinopsis variegata) has a bell-shaped cap that is tall and cylindrical and hides gills that change with age from white to bright pink to black underneath. The cap becomes haggard as it ages and often gives the appearance that it is shedding its flesh in sheets. These are extremely common in decaying logs and are seldom more than a hand's height tall.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 8 cm

Odor:

Generally inoffensive or slightly unpleasant.

General Info About Scaly ink cap

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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

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; whitish

Ring

Near the base; cotton-like

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Black to blackish brown

Odor

Generally inoffensive or slightly unpleasant.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Gray

White

Purple

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

How to Identify Scaly ink cap

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Scaly ink cap

The scaly ink cap is a woodland mushroom. It develops its fruitbody on decaying wood, preferably of deciduous trees. The mushrooms are often found growing out of buried wood, appearing to be growing directly from the soil.

Scientific Classification of Scaly ink cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Coprinaceae

Genus

Coprinopsis

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Tips for Finding Scaly ink cap

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What are Some Tips for Finding Scaly ink cap

Investigate areas with abundant fallen or decaying hardwood, as scaly ink cap often appears in these locations.
Look for scaly ink cap in clusters or groups, since they tend to grow gregariously.
Inspect the undersides of logs and any exposed fibrous material, as scaly ink cap may be hidden from plain sight.
Gently search through leaf litter and debris around potential habitats to uncover any concealed scaly ink cap.
Visit potential habitats repeatedly, as scaly ink cap may not be present at all times and regular scouting can increase chances of discovery.