Species details
White shield
Pluteus pellitus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Matej Frančeškin · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A whitish to ivory shield mushroom with pink mature gills, growing on dead hardwood.
Identification features
Cap about 4–9 cm wide, white to light grey, sometimes with fine grey or brownish fibres centrally. Gills are free, white then pale pink. Stem is white and slightly broadened at the base.
Identification checklist
Check the predominantly white cap, free gills turning pink with maturity, and growth directly on hardwood.
How to separate similar species
White colour alone is insufficient; several shield mushrooms can be pale. Atypical specimens need additional characters or microscopy.
Habitat
Grows on hardwood and woody debris, especially beech stumps, in summer and early autumn.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September