Mushroom Identification: Shaggy Mane or Scaley Ink Cap??

[Mount Sweetness]

These are the first of the Ink Cap family that I have found.

They were growing in a grass lawn, no trees near by, growing in clusters, plenty of them. I took a few caps to try a spore test and in less than 24hrs the caps went completely to ink. The stems are 3 to 5 inches long and are hollow, I did not see a ring on any of them. the flakes on the cap seem to be somewhat beige in colour. The gills are light brown slightly pink when young, the older ones are dark brown/black.

I had hoped that these were Shaggy Mane, but I am unsure after reading up on Scaley Ink Caps and Alcohol Ink Caps.

What are these?? Anybody eat Scaley Ink Caps?

p.s. that is my new beagle pup...Darby Duke!!

 

[Mount Sweetness]

Moved to the "Hunting Forum" - sorry my mistake

 

[tjsudbury]

hard to tell from the pics, but I've only found shaggy manes in the fall, though the Audubon Guide says they can be found in the spring (maybe in other parts of N. America?)

 

[Brutus]

My best guess is Scaly Inky Cap. What is strange is the book says: "Edible with caution." WTF does that mean, other than stay the f@ck away from it?

Habitat: In large clusters of hardwood debris, especially ash & elm.

 

[B]

^Don't consume them with Alcohol.

 

[insurrecto]

Looks like shaggy mane though its a bit short in the cap. I am not familiar with scaly ink caps though...

 

[sir_springer]

Those are shaggy manes. Short picking opportunity before they start turning black. Taste good, but cook down to almost nothing. They show up on my lawn in the fall.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

Do Shaggy Mane grow in clusters like the ones pictured above??

 

[Gatehouse]

Yes, usually in clusters or clumps.

 

[kamlooky]

I can't say for sure about the first photo and I would keep the cute little hound away from them.
Photos two and three (2&3) I would have no problem consuming. I have been raised to believe they are the shaggy maines.
Fried up with a bit of wine and some fish, grouse, or better yet, liver and off to the races you go.
Shaggies do grow in clusters and the bottom edges turn dark or inkish as described.
Best to cut them close to the ground and clean them as you stack them, bag them or how ever you wish to transport them. More tidy at crop means less work at home. Gather more than you need as they do tend to shrink. Slow fry with some wine, garlic or butter.
Or all of the above. Put a lid to cover them to stop them from drying up. These are my favorite.
Enjoy.....................

 

[jaydog]

Photos 2&3 look good to me as well.
Take a look here at some pics to show the difference:
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~gbarron/MISCELLANEOUS/lawn.htm

 

[Brutus]

^Don't consume them with Alcohol.

Thanks for that B.
Looks like I was off on my answer. But I benefited from others more learned than myself on this subject.

Cheers.......

 

[B]

Thanks for that B.
Looks like I was off on my answer. But I benefited from others more learned than myself on this subject.

Cheers.......

You won't kill yourself but consuming with alcohol(even several hours/days afterwards) can lead to some seriously bad effects. Think of the worst hangover you have ever had and magnify that several times... The chemical processes are very similar.

 

[kamlooky]

As a kid growing up and chasing the ole man around, I recall mom putting in a dime, (?)
in the frying pan with the mushrooms dad brought home. I remember asking her why and she told me that if the dime (silver coin) turned color, the mushrooms were not fit for consumption. I don't think this would qualify today as our coins have since been polluted.
There is ample out there for books to identify mushrooms that are safe and poisonous.
As they say, when in doubt, don't.
Shaggies are easy to identify and are a great treat.

 

[carbonrod]

As a kid growing up and chasing the ole man around, I recall mom putting in a dime, (?)
in the frying pan with the mushrooms dad brought home. I remember asking her why and she told me that if the dime (silver coin) turned color, the mushrooms were not fit for consumption. I don't think this would qualify today as our coins have since been polluted.
There is ample out there for books to identify mushrooms that are safe and poisonous.
As they say, when in doubt, don't.
Shaggies are easy to identify and are a great treat.

Cooking on a dime

This is the first I've ever heard of this, and obviously if it works, it wouldn't work on all toxins, but here is a little thread google sent me on it:
http://forum.mythbustersfanclub.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=8441.0

 

[Mount Sweetness]

I may try to cook a couple up tonight, take a few nibbles and see how it goes......

 

[Mount Sweetness]

This states that Scaly Ink Caps are the ones that grow this time of the year (june and july).......and that Shaggy Manes grow more towards fall....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coprinopsis_variegata

 

[Gatehouse]

I usually pick shaggy manes in he early fall, while grouse hunting.

 

[Brutus]

Is it just Inky Caps that exude the black substance?
Thought I've seen them do that in late August up here.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

I just ate 4 caps fried up in butter. They taste excellent, but I will have to wait and see if I experience any unusual stomach discomfort ( I will not drink alcohol for atleast 2 days just in case). If all is well I will try a greater quantity tomorrow night...