How to identify Birch Bracket

To correctly identify Birch Bracket (Piptoporus betulinus), 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.

   Kidney-shaped to semicircular, white to light brown, smooth surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent; has pores instead. Pores are small and white.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Soft and spongy when young, becoming tougher with age.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Bracket-like, growing directly from birch wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Exclusively on birch trees, living or dead.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry

Growth Form

Bracket-like, solitary

Spore Print

White

Body color

White to light brown

Odor

Mild, fungal

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise

Height

2-10 cm thick

Cap Diameter

5-25 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent (pores instead)
• Stem shape: N/A (stemless)
• Stem surface: N/A (stemless)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (stemless)

Explore Birch Bracket