Species details
Poplar bracket
Phellinus populicola
Inedible
Photo: Arctic · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A large hard hoof-shaped polypore of poplars that causes white rot.
Identification features
The fruitbody is large and perennial, with a concentrically zoned grey-brown to almost black upper surface. The margin and poroid underside are paler, ochre to cinnamon-brown. The flesh is very hard.
Identification checklist
Look for a large hard hoof-shaped fruitbody on poplar, a dark zoned upper surface and a paler brown poroid underside.
How to separate similar species
It may especially be confused with other Phellinus-like fungi on poplars and aspens. Host and microscopic characters can be important.
Habitat
Grows parasitically on poplars, on living and dead parts of trees; fruitbodies are perennial.
Fruiting period
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December