Coprinus quadrifidus
This distinctive Coprinus fruits early in the year on well-rotted stumps, logs and branches. The cottony patches over the cap can weather off and make it a more difficult to identify. It often fruits in large clusters.
Caps are 2-8 cm across, dry, conic to bell-shaped, covered with cottony patches which disappear in age, striate, and whitish to grey or tan-grey. Gills are free, close, white, and become inky in age. Stalks are up to 10 cm tall by 1.5 cm wide, white, with a cottony covering. Ring disappears early. Spore prints are black. This Ink Cap fruits early in the year on well-rotted wood. Also known as C. variegatus. Edible.