Finding Shaggy Ink Cap: when, where and in what weather?
Coprinus comatus ·
This mushroom grows on meadows, pastures and in open places. The main season for Shaggy Ink Cap is June to November.
⚠️ Shaggy Ink Cap suits beginners – but only with an extra rule, because dangerous mix-ups are possible. Mushroom foraging for beginners →
🛡️ Only what you know · nothing old · identify first, then eat
When is the season for Shaggy Ink Cap?
The main season covers June to November. Occasional finds are possible from April to December. When it starts in a given year depends on the weather: after rain and with mild temperatures, mushrooms can appear earlier.
Growth weight per month (higher = better conditions)
Where does Shaggy Ink Cap grow?
- This mushroom is not tied to particular tree species.
- Soil pH: best between 5.5 and 8.5 (possible from 5.0 to 9.0).
- Elevation: most common between 0 and 1,000 m above sea level (possible from 0 to 1,500 m).
- Prefers open areas such as meadows, pastures and forest edges.
Plan a hike through this terrain →
How nutritious is Shaggy Ink Cap?
Mushrooms are low in calories yet surprisingly rich in protein for a vegetable – good food after a hike.
- about 20–35 kcal per 100 g, raw
- about 2–4 g protein per 100 g
- about 1–3 g fibre, under 1 g fat
- plus potassium, B vitamins (mainly niacin and riboflavin) and selenium
Wild mushrooms grown outdoors get sunlight and form vitamin D as a result – more than most commercially grown mushrooms raised in the dark.
General guide values for edible wild mushrooms in general, raw; they vary by species, site and maturity. Not dietary advice.
Preserving Shaggy Ink Cap
- Drying: not suitable
- Freezing: cooked only
Dissolves into black ink within hours: process on the day you find it, only young, pure white specimens. Not for drying or storing – freeze it cooked.
All methods step by step: drying, freezing, pickling and more →
In what weather does Shaggy Ink Cap grow?
Growth is best at air temperatures from 4 to 22 °C, a humidity of 50–90 % and about 0–25 mm of rain in the last seven days.
Waldschatzfinder calculates the growth probability for your spot every day from this – with the weather of the last three months and the 10-day forecast, with an account also with soil, elevation, forest and tree species. It is a guide, not a promise.
Foraging safely
Only collect mushrooms you know for sure and have every find checked by a mushroom expert before eating. Many edible mushrooms have poisonous look-alikes. The mushroom AI gives you hints but is no substitute for expert advice. Try the mushroom AI
Frequently asked questions about Shaggy Ink Cap
When does Shaggy Ink Cap grow?
The main season of Shaggy Ink Cap is June to November; occasional finds are possible from April to December.
Where do I find Shaggy Ink Cap?
This mushroom grows on meadows, pastures and in open places. This mushroom is not tied to particular tree species. Prefers open areas such as meadows, pastures and forest edges.
In what weather does Shaggy Ink Cap grow?
Growth is best at air temperatures from 4 to 22 °C, a humidity of 50–90 % and about 0–25 mm of rain in the last seven days.
Is there a forecast for Shaggy Ink Cap?
Yes. Waldschatzfinder calculates the daily growth probability of Shaggy Ink Cap for your spot – free, with the weather of the last three months and the 10-day forecast; with an account also with soil, elevation, forest and tree species. The mushroom alert tells you as soon as the chances rise at your favourite place.
How do you prepare shaggy ink caps?
Only take young, closed specimens with pure white gills and cook them the same day – shaggy ink caps quickly dissolve into black 'ink' after picking. Clean, halve lengthwise and fry in butter or braise briefly, cooking them through. Cut away pink or black parts. A simple recipe is linked above under 'Recipes'.
Can you drink alcohol with shaggy ink caps?
The shaggy ink cap itself is considered compatible with alcohol. However, it can be confused with the common ink cap, which causes poisoning together with alcohol – even days before or after (coprine syndrome). If you are not absolutely sure, avoid alcohol or have the find checked by a mushroom expert.