Egg-shaped Shaggy Mane Mushroom, Lewisville, WA, USA Stock Photography

“Coprinus comatus, the shaggy ink cap, lawyer`s wig, or shaggy mane, is a common fungus often seen growing on lawns, along gravel roads and waste areas. The young fruit bodies first appear as white cylinders emerging from the ground, then the bell-shaped caps open out. The caps are white, and covered with scales—this is the origin of the common names of the fungus. When young it is an excellent edible mushroom provided that it is eaten soon after being collected it keeps very badly because of the auto digestion of its gills and cap. If long-term storage is desired, microwaving, sautéing or simmering until limp will allow the mushrooms to be stored in a refrigerator for several days or frozen. Also, placing the mushrooms in a glass of ice water will delay the decomposition for a day or two so that one has time to incorporate them into a meal. Processing or icing must be done whether for eating or storage within four to six hours of harvest to prevent undesirable changes to the mushroom. The species is cultivated in China as food.” Wikipedia