Cap
|
Smooth, convex and usually mid grey to dark greyish-brown, often with blue tints, the caps are unlined and typically 3 to 5cm in diameter. Caps often have a darker grey central region, sometimes witha slight umbo.
The cap flesh is white and firm. |
Gills
|
White at first, becoming pale pink, the
gills are broad, crowded and free. |
Spores |
Pale pink. |
Stipe |
White and untapering, typically 5 to 7mm diameter and 4 to 7cm long, sometimes slightly
bulbous at the base. The stem flesh is white and firm, and does not
become hollow as it ages. In some forms of this mushroom the stem surface bruises slightly blue-green. |
Odour/taste |
Not distinctive. |
Habitat |
Solitary or in small groups on stumps,
rotting fallen branches and other woody debris of broad-leaf trees, particularly willow and alder. |
Season |
Fruiting from early summer to late autumn, provided
the weather is mild. Moat often fruiting from mid summer to mid autumn. |
Occurrence |
Widespread but not particularly common. |
Similar species |
Pluteus
umbrosus has a wrinkled cap and is generally a little smaller.
Pluteus cervinus has a smooth brown or fawn cap. |
