How to identify Dung Bonnet

To correctly identify Dung Bonnet (Coprinellus disseminatus), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter, initially oval, then bell-shaped, grey-brown with fine grooves.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Closely spaced, initially white, turning grey and then black.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Thin, fragile, white, and translucent.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and fragile.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small and delicate, growing in dense clusters.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Decaying wood, dung, or other organic matter in grassy areas, gardens, and woodlands.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Grooved

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

Black

Body color

Grey-brown

Odor

Indistinct

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

1-3 cm

Cap Diameter

0.5-1.5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Free
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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