How to identify Smoky-gilled Polypore

To correctly identify Smoky-gilled Polypore (Bjerkandera adusta), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap surface is smooth to finely velvety, and is typically white to grayish-brown when young, becoming darker with age. The margin is often wavy and lighter in color than the rest of the cap.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The pore surface is white to grayish-brown, and bruises darker when handled. The pores are small and angular, numbering 4–6 per millimeter.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Lacks a stem.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin, tough, and white to grayish-brown.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a thin, tough, and flexible bracket that grows in overlapping tiers or singly. It is typically 2–10 cm wide and 1–3 cm thick.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Bjerkandera adusta is a saprophyte, and therefore causes a white rot, decaying dead wood. It can be found all year round and grows on the dead wood of broad-leaved trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth to finely velvety

Growth Form

Bracket-like, often in overlapping tiers

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

White to grayish-brown, darkening with age

Odor

Faint and fungal

Flesh bruises

Pore surface bruises darker when handled

Height

2-10 cm wide

Cap Diameter

1-3 cm thick

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Pores
• Stem shape: Absent
• Stem surface: N/A
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A

Explore Smoky-gilled Polypore