365 Urban Species. #133: Shaggy Mane

[urbpan]

Shaggy mane in grass, between park path and highway, in Boston, by cottonmanifesto

Urban species #133: Shaggy mane Coprinus comatus

The fungus that produces shaggy mane mushrooms has an affinity for manicured lawns, hard packed soil along paths, and roadsides. A fresh batch of this almost cylindrical fruiting body gives the impression of a group of white candles carelessly left on the grass.

Like other Coprinus mushrooms, the cap deliquesces as it releases its payload of spores. Because the shaggy mane cap is so tall, it makes a particularly impressive display of turning to goo as it realizes its purpose. Many mushroom hunters hope to discover the shaggy mane before this stage, when it is a prized item for the table.


Shaggy manes between driveway and road, in Lincoln Massachusetts, by urbpan