Coprinopsis atramentaria (Common ink cap) — Poisonous Mushroom
Korean name: 두엄먹물버섯
An unusual mushroom that becomes toxic when combined with alcohol. It is edible on its own, but eating it around the time you drink causes a severe reaction.
Key facts
- Category: Poisonous mushroom
- Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
- Native to: Worldwide
- Traits: Alcohol reaction, Ink cap, Urban, Conditionally toxic, Disulfiram-like
- Also known as: Coprinus atramentarius, Common ink cap, Tippler's bane
Toxicity, identification & first aid
- Toxic symptoms: Contains coprine. Drinking alcohol from 30 minutes to several days after eating causes flushing, nausea, a racing heart and shortness of breath (a disulfiram-like reaction).
- Appearance: Cap 3–7 cm, grey to grey-brown and bell-shaped. When mature, the cap dissolves into black ink from the edge.
- Where found: Compost heaps, lawns, city parks and roadsides; common near where people live.
- Season: Spring to autumn (April–October)
- Look-alike warning: Edible Agaricus species and the shaggy ink cap (conditionally edible).
- Emergency action: If alcohol was involved, call emergency services (119 in Korea). Do not eat it within 5 days of drinking, and avoid alcohol for 48 hours after symptoms ease.
Common questions
Can you eat Coprinopsis atramentaria?
No. Coprinopsis atramentaria is poisonous. Contains coprine. Drinking alcohol from 30 minutes to several days after eating causes flushing, nausea, a racing heart and shortness of breath (a disulfiram-like reaction).
What does Coprinopsis atramentaria look like and where does it grow?
Cap 3–7 cm, grey to grey-brown and bell-shaped. When mature, the cap dissolves into black ink from the edge. Compost heaps, lawns, city parks and roadsides; common near where people live. Spring to autumn (April–October)
What can Coprinopsis atramentaria be mistaken for?
Edible Agaricus species and the shaggy ink cap (conditionally edible).
What should you do if someone eats Coprinopsis atramentaria?
If alcohol was involved, call emergency services (119 in Korea). Do not eat it within 5 days of drinking, and avoid alcohol for 48 hours after symptoms ease.