Pluteus chrysophaeus - Yellow Shield

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Pluteus chrysophaeus (synonym Pluteus luteovirens) is a wood-rotting fungus that occurs mainly on elm. Its mustard-yellow cap is a distinctive feature of this relatively uncommon but very attractive little mushroom, which is generally considered inedible.

As with other 'shields' this lovely little mushroom gives a pink spore print, as also do members of the genera Volvariella, which have basal volvas, and Entoloma, which do not generally grow on wood.

Identification Guide

	Cap Mustard-yellow and initially bell-shaped, the caps eventually flatten but often retain a slight umbo. Cap diameter ranges from 2 to 4cm when fully expanded. The cap flesh is pale yellow and thin.
Gills	White at first, becoming pale pink, the gills are broad, crowded and free.
Spores	Pink.
Stem	White and of even in diameter or tapering slightly towards the apex, with a slight yellow tinge at the base of mature specimens. The stem flesh is white and firm, again with a slight yellow tinge at the base; the stem does not become hollow as it ages.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	Solitary or in small groups on rotting (often buried) elm and occasionally other hardwood debris.
Season	Late summer and autumn.
Occurrence	Uncommon.
Similar species	Pluteus leoninus is larger and its cap is golden yellow with a darker centre. Pluteus cervinus has a larger, brown cap.