Deer Shield

Deer Shield Pluteus cervinus P. Kumm. (illustrated (f) 45% life size) Cap 4–12cm across, bell-shaped then convex to flattened; sepia to dark umber, with radiating streaks. Stem 70–100×5–15mm, slightly swollen at the base; white, becoming streaked with umber fibres. Flesh white; taste and smell not distinctive. Gills free; white, later dull pink. Spores 7–8×5–6¼, broadly ellipsoid. Spore print pink. Cystidia fusoid, with thickened walls and crowned with several apical prongs. Habitat on rotting stumps, trunks, and sawdust of deciduous trees; early summer to late autumn, but also sporadically throughout the year. Very common. Edible but not worthwhile.