How to identify Berkeley's Polypore

To correctly identify Berkeley's Polypore (Bondarzewia berkeleyi), 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.

   Large, shelf-like, cream to tan, rough and uneven surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent; underside features closely packed pores.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Sessile or with a very short, thick stem.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thick and tough, especially in older specimens.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Large, often several feet in diameter, growing in clusters or as individual shelves.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Base of oak trees or on their roots.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Rough, uneven

Growth Form

Shelf-like, clustered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Cream to tan

Odor

Mild, mushroomy

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

Up to 1 foot

Cap Diameter

Up to 3 feet or more

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (pores instead of gills)
• Stem shape: N/A (sessile or with a very short stem)
• Stem surface: N/A (sessile or with a very short stem)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (sessile or with a very short stem)

Explore Berkeley's Polypore