About this fungus
Western Deer Mushroom is a fungus in the Pluteaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A brown deer mushroom standing directly on a decayed log, with pink mature gills.
What to check
Confirm free gills, a pink print, wood attachment and no ring or volva.
Variation
Caps range from pale grey-brown to dark brown and may be smooth or finely fibrillose.
Lookalikes
Brown members of the Pluteus cervinus group overlap heavily and need microscopic examination.
Habitat and range
A wood decomposer of the Pacific coast of North America, recorded from alder, tanoak and conifer wood.
Food safety
Inedible.
Photographs
Photo: Chuck Wilson · CC0 1.0