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Deer mushroom

Pluteus cervinus

A species of Pluteus, Also known as Deer shield

The deer mushroom is can be found sprouting up from rotting logs, branches, and roots, and while it may have a preference for hardwoods it isn't very picky. Unlike many other mushroom species, the fruitbodies can be found blooming across a wide range of seasons. They have a faint, radish-like odor.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 13 cm

Odor:

Mild, with a hint of radish.

General Info About Deer mushroom

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Attributes of Deer mushroom

Cap Diameter

4 - 13 cm

Height

4 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 4.5 - 10 cm; convex to nearly flat; dark to pale brown, brownish at center

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Bell-shaped, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Free; close or crowded; white, pink to deep flesh color

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

5 - 13 cm long, 5 - 15 mm thick; equal or with an enlarged base; whitish, brownish near the base

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Soft; white; unchanging colors when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale to brownish pink

Odor

Mild, with a hint of radish.

Body Color

Brown

Bronze

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood Chips or Mulch

You can find Deer mushroom by these plants:

European beech, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed and common in much of North America.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Deer mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Deer mushroom

Found most commonly in hardwood forests, the deer mushroom can also feed on conifers. It prefers stumps, deadwood on or below the forest floor, sawdust, and detritus like fallen leaves, needles, and dung.

Uses of Deer mushroom

Deer mushroom is recognized as an edible mushroom, often foraged for its culinary value. It is popular among mushroom enthusiasts and typically collected during its growing season. While it holds a place in various traditional recipes, those interested in consuming deer mushroom should be well-informed about proper identification to avoid confusion with toxic lookalikes. Always ensure that deer mushroom is correctly identified and safely prepared before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Deer mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pluteaceae mushrooms

Genus

Pluteus

Toxicity and Edibility of Deer mushroom

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Is Deer mushroom Toxic?

Although not considered toxic, the deer mushroom is reported to cause gastric problems in a number of people after consumption. The reason for that possibly lies in the fact that the deer mushroom is quickly spoiled after picking, especially in warm weather. Therefore, it is best avoided.

Edibility of Deer mushroom

Deer mushroom is edible when young but is generally not a popular option for the table and does not offer much culinary value. It has an earthy smell and a flavor reminiscent of radishes. There are multitudes of look-alike mushrooms that are highly toxic, such as the Funeral bell and many mushrooms in the Entoloma genus.

Similar Species to Deer mushroom

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Spring pinkgill

Similar Species

Deer mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Spring pinkgill and Deer mushroom?

Deer mushroom: Typically found on decaying wood of hardwood trees or on fallen logs, stumps, or wood chips.

Spring pinkgill: Generally found in grassy areas such as lawns and meadows, also near conifers or with birches, and occasionally heathland.

Tips for Finding Deer mushroom

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When is the Best Time to Find Deer mushroom

Search for deer mushroom during the cooler months of spring and fall. These mushrooms flourish after rains when the ground is moist but not waterlogged. Ideal temperatures are between 50-68°F (10-20°C). Early morning forays are most successful.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Deer mushroom

Associated with decaying woody material.

What are Some Tips for Finding Deer mushroom

Examine decaying logs and stumps in hardwood forests.
Search in areas with plentiful deadwood, such as forest clearings and edges.
Inspect piles of sawdust or wood chips, particularly in damp locations.
Check for buried deadwood by lightly digging around the base of hardwood trees.
Look for deer mushroom growing alone or in small scattered groups, not in dense clusters.

How to Clean and Preserve Deer mushroom

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How to Clean Deer mushroom

Gently brush off any visible dirt from deer mushroom using a soft brush or damp cloth. Avoid soaking as deer mushroom absorbs water easily. For stubborn debris, lightly rinse under running water and immediately pat dry to maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Deer mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to prevent rehydration.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal for species with high water content.

Oven drying: Controlled low heat accelerates drying for thicker-fleshed varieties.

Air drying: Natural, slow process suitable for less dense specimens.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Deer mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief heat exposure to deactivate enzymes before cooling and freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Deer mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining, Loose Wrap Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Keeps mushrooms dry by absorbing excess moisture, reduces spoilage for delicate varieties.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Allows air circulation, prevents condensation build-up, suitable for maintaining texture.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Separate mushrooms with paper towels in a container to absorb moisture, preventing sogginess.

Loose Wrap Storage: Wrapping mushrooms in a damp cloth inside the fridge permits necessary humidity without excess water.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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How big does deer mushroom get?

Where is deer mushroom found?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Deer mushroom

Scaly shield

Pluteus petasatus

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Volvopluteus gloiocephalus

Platterful mushroom

Megacollybia rodmanii

Spring pinkgill

Entoloma vernum