The Deer Mushroom

Description:

The deer mushroom is widely distributed and common in North America. It is fairly easily recognized by its growth on wood, its free gills that begin whitish but soon become pink, its brownish cap, and its medium size. It is not picky about what kind of wood it grows on--nor is it very picky about when it will fruit, appearing from spring to fall and even in winter in warmer climates.

Notes:

The deer mushroom's common name is a rough translation of its Latin species name, cervinus. However, the reference is not to its brown colors or woodland habitat, nor a suggestion that it is a favored munchy for Bambi; instead, it is a recognition that the mushroom has antlers!