How to identify Willow Shield

To correctly identify Willow Shield (Oudemansiella mucida), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is typically 2-8 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and pure white to cream-colored. It is covered in a thick, slimy, gelatinous layer, giving it a glossy, porcelain-like appearance.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to decurrent, widely spaced, and white to cream-colored. They are often covered in a gelatinous substance, similar to the cap.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-7 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, white, and slimy below the ring zone. Above the ring zone, the stem is dry and may have a slightly velvety texture.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin, white, and has a mild, nondescript odor.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is generally small to medium-sized, with a distinctive slimy cap and a preference for growing on dead willow wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found on decaying wood, especially willow, in damp woodlands and forests.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Slimy, gelatinous

Growth Form

Clustered

Spore Print

White

Body color

White

Odor

Mild, nondescript

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

3-7 cm

Cap Diameter

2-8 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Slimy below the ring zone, dry above
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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