Deer Mushrooms in the Lawn: A Guide to Identification and Management

If you’re a homeowner or gardener, you’ve probably encountered mushrooms growing in your lawn. While some types of mushrooms are harmless, others can be poisonous to pets and humans. One type of mushroom that’s becoming increasingly common is deer mushroom. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify deer mushrooms, their potential dangers, and how to manage them in your lawn.

What are Deer Mushrooms?

Deer mushrooms (Pluteus cervinus) are a type of mushroom that commonly grows in lawns, gardens and woodlands. They typically have a reddish-brown cap that is two to six inches in diameter and a slender stem that is three to eight inches tall. The gills on the underside of the cap are pinkish-gray and become darker as the mushroom matures. Deer mushrooms get their name from their preference for growing near deer droppings, which provide nutrients for the fungi.

Potential Dangers of Deer Mushrooms

While deer mushrooms are not poisonous, they are often confused with other types of mushrooms that are toxic. Eating the wrong type of mushroom can cause serious health problems or even death. If you have small children or pets that may come into contact with mushrooms in your lawn, it’s important to correctly identify any mushrooms before allowing them to play outside.

How to Identify Deer Mushrooms

The easiest way to identify deer mushrooms is by examining the cap, gills, and stem. The reddish-brown cap should be smooth and dry, while the gills should be pinkish-gray and attached to the stem. The stem should be slender and either whitish or brownish in color. If the cap or stem is slimy or sticky, it may be a different type of mushroom.

Another way to identify deer mushrooms is by looking for them near deer droppings. Deer mushrooms prefer to grow in nutrient-rich soil, so they are often found near animal waste. However, just because you find mushrooms near deer droppings doesn’t necessarily mean they are deer mushrooms.

How to Manage Deer Mushrooms in Your Lawn

If you want to remove deer mushrooms from your lawn, there are several methods you can try. The easiest method is to simply pick the mushrooms by hand and dispose of them in the trash. This method won’t kill the underlying fungi but will prevent it from spreading spores.

A more permanent solution is to improve the drainage and aeration in your lawn. Deer mushrooms thrive in moist, compacted soil, so improving soil conditions can make it less hospitable for the fungi. You can do this by aerating your lawn regularly and adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve soil structure.

Another management strategy is to use fungicides to kill the underlying fungi. However, this method can be harmful to beneficial fungi in your lawn and should only be used as a last resort.

Deer mushrooms are a common sight in lawns and gardens, but they can pose a risk to pets and humans if eaten. By learning how to identify deer mushrooms and managing them properly, you can keep your lawn safe and healthy. Whether you choose to remove them by hand or improve soil conditions, taking action against deer mushrooms will help protect your family and pets.

A picture of a Deer Mushroom

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