Home > Scaly shield

Scaly shield

Pluteus petasatus

A species of Pluteus

The medium-sized fruitbodies of the scaly shield can be found across much of eastern North America. As it is fond of growing in mulch or woodchips, it is most commonly encountered in parks, yards, and gardens. The species is easily confused with its close cousin, Pluteus cervinus (also known as the "deer mushroom"), though Pluteus petasatus usually develops a distinct pinkish hue on its gills, wheras P. cervinus does not.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 14 cm

Odor:

Faintly reminiscent of radish.

General Info About Scaly shield

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Scaly shield

Cap Diameter

5 - 14 cm

Height

8 - 14 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 14 cm; convex, nearly flat; whitish, brown, with a browne center

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Free; close or crowded; white to brownish pink

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 3.5 - 12 cm long, 4 - 20 mm thick; equal, or with a slightly enlarged base; whitish, discoloring brown below; dry

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Firm throughout; white throughout; unchanging when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brownish pink

Odor

Faintly reminiscent of radish.

Body Color

Brown

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 Scaly shield by these plants:

European beech, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed and common in North America east of the Rocky Mountains

Endangered Species

How to Identify Scaly shield

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Scaly shield

The Pluteus petasatus appears in urban and disturbed areas such as gardens and roadsides. Although it may seem terrestrial, it always grows on some kind of decaying organic material - wood chips, buried wood, sawdust, and woody mulch. It tends to appear on a site where a tree has been taken out.

Uses of Scaly shield

Scaly shield is an edible mushroom, appreciated for its culinary applications. While not as popular as more mainstream fungi, it's harvested by enthusiasts during its growth season. Scaly shield holds potential value in local cuisine and traditional dishes. However, it’s important for foragers to accurately identify this species due to the risk of mistaking it for toxic look-alikes. As with any wild mushroom, proper identification and preparation are crucial for safe consumption.

Scientific Classification of Scaly shield

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pluteaceae mushrooms

Genus

Pluteus

Toxicity and Edibility of Scaly shield

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

Unlock the Secrets of Mushroom Varieties, Edibility, Toxicity, and Safety Tips!

Download the App for Free

Edibility of Scaly shield

Though edible, scaly shield is rarely sought-after. Its flavor is unremarkable and it tends to develop a soggy texture quickly after fruiting. Being fairly non-descript, it may be confused with potentially toxic look-alikes.

Similar Species to Scaly shield

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Scaly shield

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Scaly shield

Search for scaly shield after periods of mild rainfall during late spring to early summer. Warm, moist conditions with temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C) are typically most productive.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Scaly shield

Wood-infused or mulch-rich soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Scaly shield

Inspect areas with fresh woodchips or woody mulch, especially in urban settings where trees have been recently removed.
Search for scaly shield around locations where tree work has occurred within the past two years, as they may emerge from buried wood.
Explore wooded areas in parks and gardens, checking the bases of tree stumps and accumulations of sawdust piles for growth.
In urban regions, look in newly landscaped areas where wood debris or mulch is used as ground cover.
Focus on areas that have been watered regularly or after significant rainfall, as moisture can encourage growth.

How to Clean and Preserve Scaly shield

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Scaly shield

To clean scaly shield, first gently brush off any debris. If necessary, wipe the cap with a soft, damp cloth. Do not wash as they absorb water easily, potentially altering their texture. Ensure to handle scaly shield carefully to preserve their delicate gills and stem.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Scaly shield

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, cool location, away from light, with low humidity.

Dehydrator drying: Effective for low-water-content fungi, providing consistent air circulation and heat.

Oven drying: Suitable for faster drying at controlled low temperatures, preventing mold growth.

Air drying: Utilizes natural airflow and is cost-effective, best in low-humidity environments.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Scaly shield

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserving texture and nutrients.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Scaly shield

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Cardboard Box Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow airflow, preventing moisture buildup and spoilage.

Cloth Wrapping: Encase in a breathable cloth, which helps in maintaining humidity while absorbing extra moisture.

Cardboard Box Storage: Place between layers of cardboard to absorb excess moisture and provide insulation from cold.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to balance humidity control and moisture escape.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Store in a glass jar with a paper towel lining to absorb moisture, and lightly cover.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Scaly shield

Deer mushroom

Pluteus cervinus

Big sheath mushroom

Volvopluteus gloiocephalus

California agaricus

Agaricus californicus