Coprinellus micaceus

Pileus
Cap 2-5 cm broad, cylindrical to oval, becoming conic, finally campanulate; yellow-brown, conspicuously striate to corrugate, covered with evanescent glistening granules; margin becoming torn, sometimes upturned in age, deliquescing towards the center; flesh thin, soft, white.

Lamellae
Gills notched, close, white turning pinkish, finally black.

Stipe
Stipe 1.5-5 cm long, 2-5 mm thick, white, hollow, equal; veil absent.

Spores
Spores 7.5-10 x 3-5 µm, elliptical, smooth with an apical germ pore. Spore print black.

Habitat
Typically fruiting in cespitose clusters near stumps or rotting wood, from fall through spring.

Edibility
Edible, of good flavor, but little texture.

Comments
Coprinellus micaceus gets its common name from the glistening particles that cover the young, developing caps. These soon wash or wear off. However, it is still easily recognized by the yellow-brown caps, clustered fruiting habit, deliquescing gills, and tendency to fruit near rotting wood. Coprinopsis atramentarius is a larger mushroom, which also tends to fruit in clusters, but it has a silky grey-brown cap.