Coprinus comatus (O.F. Müll.) Pers.

This shaggy ink cap is easily recognisable with its large size and cap covered with white shaggy scales. Also known as “Lawyer’s Wig”. It is found in pastures and waste land. As the spores mature the cap becomes black, starting at the base, and eventually the whole cap liquefies. Cap diam: 40–60 mm.

Grows in grassland.

Very edible, as long as it isn't starting to turn black at the bottom of the cap as shown in the next photo.

The blackening of the cap is caused by a process called auto-digestion. It starts at the bottom of the cap and works its way up. The black liquid contains the mature spores.

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