How to identify Willow Shield

To correctly identify Willow Shield (Pluteus salicinus), 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.

   Bluish-grey, shield-shaped, smooth surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Pink, free from the stem, crowded.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Whitish, smooth, without a ring.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin, whitish.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized mushroom growing on wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Free
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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