Common Inkcap

Where it grows

The common inkcap fruits in dense clusters from spring through autumn on disturbed ground over buried wood — lawns, woodland edges, parks, allotments, garden borders. It is one of the most widespread inkcaps in the temperate world.

How to recognise it

A tight cluster of grey-brown bell-shaped caps on tall pale stems. The cap surface is smooth at the rim and finely scaly toward the centre. As it matures, the cap edge curls upward and the gills deliquesce from below, producing black inky drops. There is a faint ring zone where the partial veil broke from the stem.

Edibility & cautions

Toxic when combined with alcohol. The mushroom contains coprine, which blocks acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in much the same way as the medical drug disulfiram. Drinking any alcohol within 48–72 hours of eating the mushroom causes intense facial flushing, racing pulse, nausea, and headache; reactions can be severe. Without alcohol, the mushroom is sometimes eaten and is bland — but the unpredictability and prolonged sensitisation period make it unwise to attempt. The species was once used (under the name Coprinus atramentarius) as an early treatment for alcoholism.