How to identify Bleeding Bracket

To correctly identify Bleeding Bracket (Daedaleopsis confragosa), 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 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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   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.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent. This is a sessile bracket fungus.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is tough and leathery, with a pale brown color.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a bracket fungus, meaning it grows horizontally from the side of a tree or log.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to decurrent
• Stem shape: Absent
• Stem surface: Absent
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Absent

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