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224 GROWTH PARAMETERS
The Shaggy Mane of the Genus Coprinus
Coprinus comatuS (Muller: Fries) S.F. Gray
Introduction: Shaggy Manes have long been a
favorite amongst mushroomerS in North
America and Europe. Easy to identify, often
growing in massive quantities, this brilliant
white mushroom is hard to miss and difficult to
confuse with poisonous species. Their fragile
constitution and unique method of self-destruction,
combined with their mild but excellent
flavor, has made the Shaggy Mane a popular
mushroom amongst hikers and hunters.
After experimenting with its cultivation, I am
pleasantly surprised at how well this species
adapts to a wide variety of indoor and outdoor
substrates. Although the commercial cultiva-
tion of this mushroom is limited by its
predisposition to disintegrate into an inky mess,
this mushroom is fantastic for those who can
consume it within two days of picking.
Common Names: The Shaggy Mane
Lawyer's Wig
Maotou-Guisafl (Chinese)
Taxonomic Synonyms and Considerations: Cop rinus comatus is considered a taxonomically
"clean" species by most mycologists and can be accurately identified by sight.
Description: Cap 4-10 (15) cm. high by 3-4 (5) cm. thick, vertically oblong, dingy brown at first,
soon white, and decorated with ascending scales. Gills crowded, white to pale, long, broad and
slightly attached or free to the stem. Stem 6-12 (15 cm.) long by 1-2 cm. thick, equal, hollow, bulbous
at the base, and adorned with a movable, membranous collar-like ring, that separates from the cap
margin as the mushrooms enlarge. As the mushrooms mature, the gills blacken, or "deliquesce",
transforming into a black, spore-ladened fluid which drips from the rapidly receding cap Figure 198. Classic, cottony Shaggy Mane mycelium
on malt extract agar.
margin. The
cap eventually totally recedes, leaving only the stem.
Distribution: Growing in the late summer and fall throughout the temperate regions of the world.
Natural Habitat: In lawns, meadows,
around barnyards, in wood chips, along roadsides, and in enriched
soils.
Microscopic Features: Spores black, 11-15 x 6. 0—8. 5 p, ellipsoid, with a germ pore at one end.
Subhymenium cellular.
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