Deer mushroom
A species of Pluteus, Also known as Deer shield Scientific name : Pluteus cervinus Genus : Pluteus
Deer mushroom, A species of Pluteus
Also known as:
Deer shield
Scientific name: Pluteus cervinus
Genus: Pluteus
Photo By Stu's Images , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
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.
Colors
Brown
Bronze
Gray
White
Habitat
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.
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People often ask
General Info
Toxicity
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
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.
Habitat
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.
Growth Form
Saprobic; solitary, scattered, gregarious
Sporocarp Height
6.5–11.5 cm
Cap Diameter
4.5-10 cm
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Saprophytic
Substrate
On wood
Smell
Not distinctive; taste slightly radishlike
Spore Print
Pale to brownish pink
Species Status
Widely distributed and common in much of North America.
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Gilled fungi Family
Pluteaceae mushrooms Genus
Pluteus Species
Deer mushroom 
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