Willow Shield

Willow Shield Pluteus salicinus (Pers.) P. Kumm. (illustrated 80% life size) Cap 2–5cm across, convex then flattened and slightly umbonate; bluish- or greenish-grey, darker at the centre; faintly striate when moist. Stem 30–50×2–6mm; white, sometimes becoming tinged with cap colour at the base. Flesh white with greyish tinge. Gills free; white then pink. Spores 8–9×6–7¼, ellipsoid. Spore print pink. Pleurocystidia fusiform with slightly thickened walls and an apical crown of hooked processes. Habitat on deciduous wood; spring to autumn. Common. Edible.