Species details
Tinder fungus
Fomes fomentarius
Inedible
Photo: George Chernilevsky · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A large hard hoof-shaped bracket with grey concentric zones, often on beech.
Identification features
The underside is finely pored and pale; the perennial bracket adds new tube layers.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A large hard hoof-shaped bracket with grey concentric zones, often on beech. The underside is finely pored and pale; the perennial bracket adds new tube layers. Typical habitat: On weakened living and dead hardwood trunks, especially beech and birch.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Ganoderma applanatum, Fomitopsis betulina. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.
Habitat
On weakened living and dead hardwood trunks, especially beech and birch.
Fruiting period
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December