# Pluteus Mammillatus

The Pluteus mammillatus is a fascinating mushroom that can be found growing on decaying wood. Its unique shape and color make it a fun find for little explorers in the forest!

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Decaying wood in forests and wooded areas.
- **Also known as:** Decaying Wood Fungus, Mushroom of the Forest

![Pluteus Mammillatus](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/13064733/medium.jpeg)

Photo: mycowalt, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/13064733)

## Appearance

The Pluteus Mammillatus has a distinctive grey-brown to brownish cap, often with a prominent central bump, making it look nipple-like. Its gills are pale pink and entirely free from the whitish stem, which can be fibrous. It typically grows individually or in small groups.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Agaricales
- **Family:** Pluteaceae
- **Genus:** Pluteus

## Interesting facts

- It's a 'wood lover,' only growing on dead or decaying trees and logs!
- Its spores are naturally pink, creating a pretty rosy print if you collect them!
- The 'mammillatus' name comes from its cap's little nipple-like bump!
- This mushroom has gills completely free from its stem, like a tiny umbrella skirt!

## Special abilities

- **Forest Recycler:** Pluteus Mammillatus can break down dead wood because of special enzymes that help them return nutrients to the forest floor.
- **Spore Sprinter:** Pluteus Mammillatus has pinkish spores that help them float on air currents to spread rapidly to new growing spots.
- **Wood Weaver:** Pluteus Mammillatus can grow directly on dead wood because its mycelium acts like tiny roots, anchoring it firmly.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 3-8 cm
- **Edible:** edible
- **Size:** 2-5 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** wood
- **Season:** Summer to fall
- **Spore Color:** Pinkish-brown

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** [European Beech](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-beech) (*Fagus sylvatica*) — breaks down dead wood of this tree species.
- **Eats:** [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) — consumes decaying timber, recycling nutrients.
- **Eats:** Fungus Gnat (*Mycetophila fungorum*) — larvae feed on the mushroom's tissues.

## Traits

- [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or picking mushrooms!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Pluteus Mammillatus?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Pluteus Mammillatus?

3-8 cm

### Is Pluteus Mammillatus edible?

edible

### How big is Pluteus Mammillatus?

2-5 cm

### Where is Pluteus Mammillatus usually found?

Decaying wood in forests and wooded areas.

### What does Pluteus Mammillatus grow on?

wood

### When is Pluteus Mammillatus in season?

Summer to fall

### What color are Pluteus Mammillatus spores?

Pinkish-brown

## Where to spot

- [Vicksburg National Military Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/vicksburg-national-military-park) — Mississippi, US · Park

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Pluteus Mammillatus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pluteus-mammillatus)