Magpie Fungus
Poisonous 
Autumn 
Winter 
Magpie Fungus, Coprinus picaceus.
Poisonous causing alarming symptoms but not effecting everybody. Don’t take a chance!
| Mushroom Type | |
| Common Names | Magpie Fungus, Magpie Inkcap |
| Scientific Name | Coprinus picaceus |
| Season Start | Sep |
| Season End | Dec |
| Average Mushroom height (CM) | 25 |
| Average Cap width (CM) | 5 |
Please note that each and every mushroom you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.
Cap
Elongated finger-like shape opening to a cone. Appearing white and shaggy with a black background turning brown/grey to black and then ‘melting’.
Gills
Gills white turning pink to grey to brown until becoming black and ‘melting’.
Stem
White, narrow, usually hollow and with a white movable skirt, sometimes stained black with spores and can have a slightly hairy bulbous base.
Flesh
White.
Habitat
Beech woodland especially on chalky soils.
Possible Confusion
The Shaggy Inkcap, pictured, has a white cap with white scales, the Magpie Fungus has a black cap with white scales.
Spore Print
Black. Ellipsoid.
Frequency
Uncommon.
Other Facts
The resulting mess from leaving this mushroom to deliquesce can be used as a viable ink.
2 comments for Magpie Fungus
Found a group of these in Dartington Hall gardens – not sure how to upload picture.
Hi Dave, you can send them to us here https://www.wildfooduk.com/contact-us/ or via email to admin@wildfooduk.com