How to identify Daedalea quercina

To correctly identify Daedalea quercina (Daedalea quercina), 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 is typically semicircular or bracket-shaped, with a rough, corky texture. The color ranges from tan to brown, often with zones of different shades.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Instead of gills, it has elongated, maze-like pores on the underside. These pores are irregular and can resemble gills in some areas.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent (sessile)

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is tough and corky, with a light brown color.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a bracket fungus that attaches directly to the wood (sessile).

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows on dead or dying oak wood.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Rough, corky

Growth Form

Bracket-like, sessile

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

Tan to brown

Odor

Mild, fungal

Flesh bruises

No bruising reaction

Height

1-5 cm thick

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (pores instead of gills)
• Stem shape: N/A (sessile)
• Stem surface: N/A (sessile)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (sessile)

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