Species details
Bitter oysterling
Panellus stipticus
Inedible
Photo: dsmorris · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A small kidney-shaped wood fungus in ochre-brown tones with crowded cross-connected gills and a strongly bitter, astringent taste.
Identification features
The cap is 1–4 cm wide, kidney- to fan-shaped, ochre-brown and initially somewhat sticky. Gills are thin, crowded and cross-connected by fine veins. The stem is short and eccentric.
Identification checklist
Check the small kidney-shaped cap, eccentric stem and crowded gills with visible cross-connections.
How to separate similar species
Schizophyllum commune lacks the same eccentric stem and has characteristically split gills. Other small wood fungi may be stemless.
Habitat
Grows in groups on stumps and dead hardwood, often in large numbers, mainly in summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
June, July, August, September, October, November
Similar species
- Split gill (Schizophyllum commune)
- Crepidotus species
- Elastic oysterling (Panellus mitis)