 Fruit bodies are commonly found growing in dense clusters , but can also be found growing singly or in small clumps , especially in forested areas . In North America , C. micaceus is one of the first edible mushrooms to appear in the spring , and fruits from May to September . In Europe , it fruits from May to December . Although it can grow at any time of the year , it is more prevalent during the spring and fall , coinciding with the higher humidity resulting from spring and autumn rains . A study of air quality conducted in the city of Santiago de Compostela in the Iberian Peninsula , concluded that most " Coprinus " spores present in the atmosphere belonged to C. micaceus , and that the number of spores went up with increased humidity and rainfall , but decreased with greater temperatures . The species is known for reappearing with successive fruitings at the same location . In one case , a total of 38 lb ( 17 @.@ 2 kg ) of fresh mushrooms were collected from one elm stump in 10 successive crops over a spring and summer . 
