Pluteus cervinus, also known as Pluteus atricapillus and commonly known as the deer shield[1] or the deer or fawn mushroom,[2] is a mushroom that belongs to the large genus Pluteus. It is found on rotten logs, roots and tree stumps and is widely distributed. It can also grow on sawdust and other wood waste. Being very variable in appearance, it has been divided into several varieties or subspecies, some of which are sometimes considered species in their own right. It is edible when young,[3] but considered by some to be of poor quality[4] and is not often collected for the table.[5]
The species name, cervinus, although generally thought to refer to the colour of the cap, actually refers to antler-like protrusions on its prominent thick-walled pleurocystidia (of which there can be one to three).[5][6]
The cap ranges from 3–12 cm (1+1⁄8–4+3⁄4 in) in diameter.[7] Initially it is bell-shaped, and often wrinkled when young. Later it expands to a convex shape. The cap can be deer-brown, but vary from light ochre-brown to dark brown, with a variable admixture of grey or black. The centre of the cap may be darker.[8] The cap surface is smooth and matte to silky-reflective. The cap skin shows dark radial fibres when seen through a lens, indicating that the microscopic cuticle structure is filamentous. The gills are initially white, but soon show a distinctive pinkish sheen,[8] caused by the ripening spores. The stipe is 5–12 cm long and 0.5–2 cm in diameter, usually thicker at the base.[7] It is white and covered with brown vertical fibrils. The flesh is soft and white.[8] The mushroom has a mild to earthy radish smell[8] and a mild taste at first, which may become slightly bitter.
The spore size is approximately 8×5μ, and the individual spores are elliptical and smooth. The spore print is salmon-pink to reddish brown.[5]
It grows on logs and stumps,[7] and can be found most commonly in the spring and fall.
The species looks similar to some dangerous Entoloma species, which also have pink spore prints but grow on the ground.[7] Other similar species include P. atromarginatus, P. romellii, and P. petasatus.[7]
Mature P. cervinus
Young P. cervinus
Cystidia with apical projections
Pluteus cervinus spores
Pluteus cervinus
Pluteus cervinus, also known as Pluteus atricapillus and commonly known as the deer shield or the deer or fawn mushroom, is a mushroom that belongs to the large genus Pluteus. It is found on rotten logs, roots and tree stumps and is widely distributed. It can also grow on sawdust and other wood waste. Being very variable in appearance, it has been divided into several varieties or subspecies, some of which are sometimes considered species in their own right. It is edible when young, but considered by some to be of poor quality and is not often collected for the table.
