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.
Detailed features
- Hymenophore
- The underside has small rusty- to grey-brown pores.
- Flesh
- The flesh is hard and corky.
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
Ecology
- Trophic mode
- Parasitic
- Host trees
- Spruce (Picea), Fir (Abies)
- Notes
- Grows year-round on living or dead trunks and branches of conifers, especially fir and less often spruce.
How to separate similar species
It can resemble other perennial Phellinus-like polypores. Host tree, pore size and internal structure are important for separation.