About this fungus
Velvet Shield is a fungus in the Pluteaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A dark velvety shield mushroom on a broadleaf log, often with dark-edged pink gills.
What to check
Confirm free gills, a pink print, brown fibrils on the stem and direct attachment to dead wood.
Variation
Young caps may be nearly black; older caps fade brown and their raised veins become less obvious.
Lookalikes
Several Pluteus have dark caps or dark gill edges. Microscopic cap cells and cystidia are decisive.
Habitat and range
A decomposer of broadleaf wood, best established in Europe. Non-European records need regional checking.
Food safety
Inedible.
Species to compare
Similar mushrooms to compare against: