Species details
Hartig's bracket
Phellinus hartigii
Inedible
Photo: Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A large perennial woody polypore that most often parasitises fir trees.
Identification features
The fruitbody is broadly attached, initially knobbly and later hoof-shaped. The upper surface is cinnamon- to grey-brown, with old areas almost black. The underside has small rusty- to grey-brown pores. The flesh is hard and corky.
Identification checklist
Check for a massive hoof-shaped fruitbody on fir, a hard brown crust and small brown pores.
How to separate similar species
It can resemble other perennial Phellinus-like polypores. Host tree, pore size and internal structure are important for separation.
Habitat
Grows year-round on living or dead trunks and branches of conifers, especially fir and less often spruce.
Fruiting period
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December