Species details

Smoky polypore

Bjerkandera fumosa

Inedible
Smoky polypore – Bjerkandera fumosa

Photo: Natasha March · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License

Description

A thicker ochre to coffee-brown bracket with a whitish pore surface and a characteristic dark line between flesh and tube layer.

Identification features

Fruitbodies are usually 10–15 cm wide, fan-shaped, finely velvety and often overlap like roof tiles. Pores are pale and brown slightly when touched.

Identification checklist

Check the thicker pale-brown bracket, light pores and a thin dark line between flesh and tubes in section.

How to separate similar species

Bjerkandera adusta is usually thinner and has a darker smoky-grey to blackish pore surface.

Habitat

Grows on dead or damaged hardwood, especially willow, poplar, ash and beech, mainly from autumn to spring.

Fruiting period

September, October, November, December, January, February, March

Similar species

Extended-description sources