Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
The Willow Shield (Pluteus salicinus) is a saprotrophic fungus that grows on dead wood, particularly willow. It is characterized by its bluish-grey cap and pink spore print. While not considered poisonous, it's not typically eaten due to its small size and thin flesh.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Bluish-grey, shield-shaped, smooth surface.
- Gills
- Pink, free from the stem, crowded.
- Stem
- Whitish, smooth, without a ring.
- Flesh
- Thin, whitish.
- Fruiting body
- Small to medium-sized mushroom growing on wood.
- Habitat
- Dead willow wood.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Singly or in small groups
- Spore Print: Pink
- Body color: Bluish-grey cap, whitish stem, pink gills
- Odor: Indistinct
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 3-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-8 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprotrophic
Safe
SafeNot considered poisonous, but not typically consumed.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild or indistinct
- Fruiting: Autumn
- Substrate: Dead willow wood
Where to Find
Decaying Wood
Grows on dead wood, especially willow branches and trunks.
Geographic Region
Found in Europe and North America.
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for bluish-grey, shield-like mushrooms on dead willow wood.
Season
Fruiting occurs mainly in autumn.
Similar Species
Pluteus cervinus
saprotrophic fungus
Also known as: Deer Mushroom
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Pluteaceae
- Genus
- Pluteus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2°C
- Refrigeration: 1-2 days
How to Clean
Gently brush off any debris. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if so, pat dry immediately.
Explore Willow Shield
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.