486 



The Fawn-colored Peuteus (Edible) 

 Pliitciis ccninus Schaeff. 



Plutcns ccrv'uius is a very common and widely distributed mush- 

 room which occurs from early spring until late autumn. It occurs on 

 logs, stumps, etc., and also on the ground where roots or decaying 

 wood is buried. Often successive crops are found in the same place 

 week after week throughout the growing season. The i)lant is said 

 to occur also on old sawdust piles. 



The cap is 5 to 15 cm. (2 to 6 inches) broad, at first 1)ell-shaped, 

 then convex, and finally nearly flat. It is fleshy but quite fragile. The 

 color and character of the surface are very variable. It is usually 

 smooth or with only a few loose fibers, but sometimes the central 

 portion is covered with minute hairs. In wet weather the surface is 

 often somewhat sticky. The color varies from light brown to black- 

 ish brown, but occasionally specimens are found that are yellowish or 

 even white. The flesh is white. 



The gills are broad, close together but not greatly crowded, and 

 free from the stem. They are at first white but become flesh-colored 

 or pink, as the spores mature. The spores are light pink. 



The stem is 7 to 15 cm. ( 3 to 6 inches) long, solid and firm but 

 rather brittle, and tapers slightly ui)ward. It is usually white, with 

 dark fibers or streaks on the surface, but sometimes it is colored like 

 the cap. The stem is very easily removed from the cap. There is no 

 ring and no volva. When the plant grows from the side of a stump 

 (^r log the stem is apt to be curved in such a way as to bring the cap 

 into a horizontal position. 



Plutcus ccrvimis is one of the earliest of the larger mushrooms and 

 is also one of the l^est. It is a great favorite on my (Avn table. Fried 

 in butter and served hot on toast it is delicious. 



Collected in Champaign, Jackson, and Union counties. 



