How to identify Wrinkled Crust

To correctly identify Wrinkled Crust (Phlebia radiata), 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.

   Absent (crust fungus)

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent (crust fungus)

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent (crust fungus)

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and flexible when fresh, becoming brittle when dry.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Resupinate (crust-like), closely attached to the substrate, often covering large areas.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Decaying hardwood, particularly beech, birch, and alder.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

N/A (crust fungus)

Growth Form

Resupinate (crust-like)

Spore Print

White to pale pink

Body color

Pinkish-orange to reddish-brown

Odor

Not distinctive

Flesh bruises

No bruising reaction

Height

Less than 1 mm thick

Cap Diameter

N/A (crust fungus)

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent (crust fungus)
• Stem shape: Absent (crust fungus)
• Stem surface: Absent (crust fungus)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Absent (crust fungus)

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