Willow Shield Pluteus salicinus (Pers.) P. Kumm. (illustrated 80% life size) Cap 2โ5cm across, convex then flattened and slightly umbonate; bluish- or greenish-grey, darker at the centre; faintly striate when moist. Stem 30โ50ร2โ6mm; white, sometimes becoming tinged with cap colour at the base. Flesh white with greyish tinge. Gills free; white then pink. Spores 8โ9ร6โ7ยผ, 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.
