Pluteus cervinus - Deer Shield

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Pluteus cervinus, the Deer Shield, was for many years commonly known as the Fawn Pluteus. In most parts of Britain and Ireland this is by far the most common of the shield fungi, mmost of which are very infrequent or rare finds..

In common with other mushrooms of the Pluteus genus, the Deer Shield is a wood-rotting fungus that occurs mainly on hardwood stumps. This fungus can appear at any time from late spring through to late autumn.

Identification guide

	Cap Sepia to dark brown, usually with slightly darker radial streaks. Convex at first and then flattened; smooth, with a fibrous surface. The cap flesh is white and firm.
	Gills White at first, becoming pale pink, the gills are broad, crowded and free.
Spores	Pale pink.
Stem	White and of even diameter or very slightly bulbous at the base. The stem flesh is white and firm, and does not become hollow as it ages.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	Solitary or in small groups on stumps, rotting fallen branches and other woody debris of broad-leaf trees; very occasionally on conifer stumps. This species also appears on sawdust heaps.
Season	Fruiting through most of the year, provided the weather is mild. Particularly prevalent during summer and autumn.
Occurrence	Widespread and very common.
Similar species	Pluteus umbrosus has a wrinkled cap and is generally smaller.