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The Bleeding Bracket, scientifically known as *Daedaleopsis confragosa*, is a common bracket fungus found on dead hardwood trees. It is characterized by its variable pore structure, ranging from elongated pores to maze-like gills. The upper surface is typically zoned with various shades of brown, while the pore surface bruises reddish-brown when damaged, hence the name 'Bleeding Bracket'.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is fan-shaped to semicircular, with a variable surface texture ranging from smooth to slightly hairy. The color is typically zoned with shades of brown, tan, and gray.
- Gills
- The pore surface is variable, ranging from elongated pores to maze-like gills. The pores are typically white to cream-colored and bruise reddish-brown when damaged.
- Stem
- Absent. This is a sessile bracket fungus.
- Flesh
- The flesh is tough and leathery, with a pale brown color.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a bracket fungus, meaning it grows horizontally from the side of a tree or log.
- Habitat
- Grows on dead hardwood trees, especially willow, birch, and alder.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly hairy
- Growth Form: Bracket
- Spore Print: White to pale yellow
- Body color: Brown, Tan, Gray
- Odor: Faintly fungal
- Flesh bruises: Reddish-brown
- Height: 2-8 cm thick
- Cap Diameter: 5-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeThis mushroom is not considered toxic, but it is also not typically consumed due to its tough texture.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faintly fungal
- Fruiting: Year-round
- Substrate: Dead hardwood
Where to Find
Hardwood Forests
Found on dead hardwood, especially willow, birch, and alder.
Riparian Zones
Prefers areas with plenty of moisture and decaying wood.
Finding Tips
Check Decaying Wood
Look for it on fallen logs or standing dead trees.
Examine Pore Structure
Inspect the underside for elongated pores or maze-like gills.
Test for Bruising
Damage the pore surface to see if it bruises reddish-brown.
Similar Species
Trametes versicolor
bracket fungus
Also known as: Turkey Tail
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Fomitopsidaceae
- Genus
- Daedaleopsis
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 21
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
This mushroom is not typically consumed due to its tough texture. If you intend to use it for other purposes, brush off any debris with a stiff brush. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if you do, dry thoroughly.
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