How to identify Red-capped scaly polypore

To correctly identify Red-capped scaly polypore (Neolentinus lepideus), 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 5-20 cm (2-8 inches) in diameter, convex to flat, sometimes depressed in the center, and often irregular in shape. The color ranges from whitish to yellowish-brown, often with reddish-brown to dark brown scales, especially towards the center. The margin is usually inrolled when young, becoming wavy or lobed with age. The surface is dry and distinctly scaly.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are decurrent (running down the stem), broad, and widely spaced. They are white to cream-colored, becoming yellowish with age. A key feature is that the gill edges are serrated or 'saw-toothed', which is characteristic of the genus Neolentinus. In older specimens, the gills can become somewhat labyrinthine or anastomosing, giving a pore-like appearance.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 3-10 cm (1.2-4 inches) long and 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 inches) thick, central or eccentric, tough, and fibrous. It is typically whitish to yellowish, often with scales similar to the cap, especially towards the base. It can be solid or hollow with age.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is tough, white, and fibrous, not changing color when bruised or cut. It has a mild, somewhat mealy or indistinct odor and taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is tough, leathery, and often eccentric or centrally stemmed. It can grow quite large, sometimes solitary but often in scattered groups.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic, growing on dead or decaying coniferous wood, especially pine, spruce, and fir. It is commonly found on stumps, logs, fallen branches, and sometimes on structural timber like railroad ties, utility poles, and wooden bridges. It causes a brown rot.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, scaly, often with reddish-brown to dark brown scales

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered groups

Spore Print

White

Body color

Whitish to yellowish-brown, with darker scales

Odor

Mild, mealy

Flesh bruises

No color change

Height

3-10 cm (1.2-4 inches)

Cap Diameter

5-20 cm (2-8 inches)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often tapering towards the base
• Stem surface: Whitish to yellowish, often scaly, fibrous
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid to hollow with age

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