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Fistulina hepatica, commonly known as the Beefsteak Fungus or Ox Tongue, is a distinctive bracket fungus that resembles a slab of raw meat. It is edible and choice when young, with a slightly acidic, fruity flavor.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap surface is initially smooth and moist, becoming sticky and reddish-brown, resembling raw meat. It often exudes a reddish juice when cut.
- Gills
- Instead of true gills, it has pores that are small, round, and yellowish, bruising reddish-brown. The pore surface is easily separable from the flesh.
- Stem
- The stem is usually absent or very short and lateral. When present, it is thick and stubby.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick, fibrous, and reddish, with a marbled appearance similar to beef. It darkens with age.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is typically tongue-shaped or bracket-like, ranging from 10-30 cm in width and thickness. It is soft and fleshy when young, becoming tougher with age.
- Habitat
- It grows on living or dead hardwood trees, especially oak, causing a brown rot. It is commonly found in late summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Bracket-like, tongue-shaped
- Spore Print: Pinkish-brown
- Body color: Reddish-brown
- Odor: Acidic, fruity
- Flesh bruises: Darkens slightly
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 10-30 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic, parasitic
Safe
SafeFistulina hepatica is generally considered edible and non-toxic.
Quick Check
- Odor: Slightly acidic and fruity
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Living or dead hardwood, especially oak
Where to Find
Europe
Common in the UK and continental Europe, particularly on oak trees.
North America
Found in eastern North America, also primarily on oak.
Finding Tips
Look for Oak Trees
Focus your search on oak trees, both living and dead, in late summer and autumn.
Check for Reddish Color
The distinctive reddish color and meat-like appearance make it easier to spot.
Similar Species
Chicken of the Woods
edible bracket fungus
Also known as: Sulphur Shelf
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Fistulinaceae
- Genus
- Fistulina
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 0°C
- Freezing duration: Several months
- Min Temperature: 2°C
- Refrigeration: Up to a week
How to Clean
Clean the Beefsteak Fungus by wiping it with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Trim away any tough or damaged parts.
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