Shaggy Ink Cap
About the mushroom: I believe the mushroom in the photo is the Shaggy Ink Cap mushroom (Coprinus comatus). It grows in autumn to a hight of about 150 mm. It is edible but it contains an enzyme that prevents the removal of alcohol toxins so you shouldn't drink alcohol for two days from the time you consume this mushroom. The gills turn black and melt as it gets older.
I took this photo at the edge of a forested area about 30 miles from Chicago.
