How to identify False Tinder Conk

To correctly identify False Tinder Conk (Phellinus igniarius), 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 the upper surface of the perennial fruiting body. It is convex to hoof-shaped, often flattened at the base where it attaches to the tree. Color ranges from dark gray to black, sometimes with a brownish tinge, especially towards the margin. The surface is typically dull, rough, and concentrically furrowed or zoned, often developing deep cracks with age. The margin is blunt, rounded, and typically lighter in color, often grayish-brown or reddish-brown.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Phellinus igniarius is a polypore, meaning it has pores on its underside instead of gills. The pore surface is flat, grayish-brown to brown, becoming darker with age. The pores are very small, typically 4-6 per millimeter, circular to angular. The tubes are stratified, forming distinct layers corresponding to annual growth, and are the same color as the context.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent (sessile). The fruiting body is directly attached to the host tree.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The context (flesh) is very hard, woody, and fibrous. It is dark reddish-brown to rusty brown, lacking distinct zones. It does not change color when cut or bruised. The pore layer is stratified, meaning new layers of pores are added each year, visible as distinct layers when the conk is cut in cross-section.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Perennial, sessile, hoof-shaped to ungulate (horse-hoof shaped), very hard and woody. Can grow quite large, up to 30 cm (12 inches) across and 20 cm (8 inches) thick. The upper surface is typically concentrically zoned, dark gray to black, often cracked with age, and may be covered with algae or moss. The margin is usually blunt and lighter in color, often brownish or grayish-brown.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprobic and parasitic on living and dead deciduous trees, particularly birch (Betula spp.), aspen (Populus tremuloides), willow (Salix spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), and beech (Fagus spp.). It causes a white heart rot in the host wood. Typically found growing singly or in small groups on the trunks of standing trees or fallen logs.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dark gray to black, concentrically zoned and furrowed, often cracked with age.

Growth Form

Sessile, ungulate (hoof-shaped) bracket.

Spore Print

White to pale yellow (spores are hyaline, smooth, broadly ellipsoid).

Body color

Upper surface dark gray to black; pore surface grayish-brown; context dark reddish-brown.

Odor

Mild, earthy.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise or change color.

Height

Up to 20 cm (8 inches) thick.

Cap Diameter

Up to 30 cm (12 inches) across.

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Not applicable (polypore, not gilled).
• Stem shape: Absent (sessile).
• Stem surface: Absent.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Absent.

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