Species in the Plutaceae family have the typical umbrella shape with a central or eccentric stem attached to the underside of the cap flesh. They have free gills - unnattached to the stem.. They usually grow from dead wood; and they produce pinkish spore prints. They are saprotrophs - they break down and consume wood. Common species include Pluteus cervinus - the Deer or Fawn Mushroom, and Pluteus petasatus. Some species of Pluteus are edible, but they are generally considered mediocre.
To see enlarged versions of each photo represented in this family and accompanying descriptions, click on the first photo and then click on the textual links above each photo to get to the next one.
