Common Inkcap

– Cap initially elongated egg-shaped, later bell-shaped, silver-gray to brown-gray with small brownish scales towards the center, often with a cracked cap margin.
– Gills initially gray-white, turning black with age and dissolving into an ink-like liquid.
– Stem hollow, white, often with a ring-like zone above the tapered stem base.

Grows in tufts or small groups near rotten stumps and on lawns.

Contains coprine, which inhibits the breakdown of alcohol in the blood. Formerly considered edible, it is now regarded as a poisonous mushroom since it can cause discomfort several days after the mushroom meal, even if one drinks only a light beer. Coprine has also been found to cause testicular damage in animal studies.