How to identify Hemlock Reishi, Reishi

To correctly identify Hemlock Reishi, Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae), 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 5-30 cm wide and 1-5 cm thick. The surface is laccate (shiny and varnished-looking), with concentric zones of color ranging from reddish-brown to orange or yellowish. The margin is usually rounded and lighter in color, often yellowish or whitish when young.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   This is a polypore, meaning it has pores instead of gills. The pore surface is white to cream-colored when fresh, bruising brownish. Pores are small, typically 4-6 per mm.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   A stem may be present or absent. If present, it is usually lateral (attaching to the side of the cap), short, and stout, with a shiny, reddish-brown surface similar to the cap.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is tough, leathery, and corky, with a reddish-brown color. It lacks a distinct odor.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   A shelf-like or bracket-like fruit body, typically kidney-shaped or fan-shaped. It can be annual or perennial.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Exclusively found on Hemlock trees (Tsuga species), either living or dead. It is a wood-decay fungus, causing a white rot.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Laccate (shiny, varnished)

Growth Form

Shelf-like, bracket-like

Spore Print

Brown

Body color

Reddish-brown, orange, yellowish

Odor

Mild, not distinct

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

Variable, up to 5 cm

Cap Diameter

5-30 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent (pores present instead)
• Stem shape: Lateral, stubby (when present)
• Stem surface: Laccate (shiny, varnished)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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