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The Harefoot Mushroom (Coprinopsis lagopus) is a delicate and ephemeral fungus known for its distinctive shaggy cap and rapid deliquescence (self-digestion). It is a saprobic species, meaning it obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter. This mushroom is not considered edible.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Initially oval, then expands to a bell shape with shaggy, fibrous scales. Color ranges from whitish to grayish-brown. Deliquesces quickly, turning black and inky.
- Gills
- Crowded, free from the stem, starting white and turning black as they mature and deliquesce.
- Stem
- Thin, fragile, and hollow. White to pale brown in color, smooth surface.
- Flesh
- Thin and fragile, quickly deliquescing.
- Fruiting body
- Small and delicate, with a short lifespan.
- Habitat
- Grows on decaying organic matter in grassy areas, gardens, and disturbed soil.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Shaggy, Fibrous
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups
- Spore Print: Black
- Body color: Whitish to Grayish-Brown, Black when deliquescing
- Odor: Indistinct
- Flesh bruises: Not Applicable (Deliquescent)
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-4 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeThe Harefoot Mushroom is not considered toxic, but it is also not edible due to its small size and rapid deliquescence.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct
- Fruiting: Spring to Autumn
- Substrate: Decaying organic matter, grass, disturbed soil
Where to Find
Grasslands
Found in grassy areas, gardens, and disturbed soil.
Woodlands
Often appears on decaying wood or plant debris.
Urban Areas
Common in urban environments where organic matter is present.
Finding Tips
Moist Conditions
Look for it after periods of rain when conditions are moist.
Decaying Matter
Check areas with decaying wood chips or plant debris.
Disturbed Soil
Search in grassy areas, especially those that are disturbed or recently cultivated.
Similar Species
Coprinellus micaceus
mushroom
Also known as: Glistening Inkcap
Coprinopsis atramentaria
mushroom
Also known as: Common Inkcap
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Psathyrellaceae
- Genus
- Coprinopsis
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
This mushroom is not typically cleaned as it is not consumed. Due to its delicate nature and rapid decay, cleaning is impractical.
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