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Dryad's Saddle, scientifically known as Polyporus squamosus, is a bracket fungus easily identified by its distinctive scale-like patterns on the cap, resembling a pheasant's back. It is commonly found on dead or dying deciduous trees and is considered edible when young, though it can become tough with age.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is kidney-shaped to semicircular, with a pale yellow to tan background covered in dark brown scales arranged in a concentric pattern.
- Gills
- This fungus has pores instead of gills. The pores are angular, white to yellowish, and extend down the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is short, thick, and lateral, often with a dark base. It is typically off-center and may be absent in some specimens.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white, thick, and fleshy when young, becoming tougher and more fibrous as it matures.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a bracket or shelf-like structure, typically 5-30 cm wide and up to 10 cm thick. It attaches laterally to the host tree.
- Habitat
- It grows on dead or dying deciduous trees, particularly elm, ash, and maple. It can be found in woodlands and urban environments.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, with dark brown scales on a pale yellow to tan background.
- Growth Form: Bracket or shelf-like.
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Pale yellow to tan with dark brown scales.
- Odor: Cucumber or watermelon rind-like when young.
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise.
- Height: Up to 10 cm thick.
- Cap Diameter: 5-30 cm wide.
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeDryad's Saddle is generally considered non-toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals if eaten raw or if the mushroom is old and tough.
Quick Check
- Odor: Distinctive cucumber or watermelon rind-like odor when young.
- Fruiting: Spring to Fall
- Substrate: Dead or dying deciduous trees
Where to Find
North America
Common in deciduous forests throughout North America.
Europe
Widespread across Europe, especially in areas with elm and ash trees.
Asia
Found in various regions of Asia with similar temperate climates.
Finding Tips
Check Deciduous Trees
Look for Dryad's Saddle on dead or dying deciduous trees, especially elm, ash, and maple.
Spring and Fall
Search during the spring and fall when these fungi are most likely to fruit.
Urban Areas
Don't overlook urban environments, as they can often be found on trees in parks and along streets.
Similar Species
Cerioporus squamosus
a closely related species
Also known as: Scaly Polypore
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Polyporaceae
- Genus
- Polyporus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
Clean Dryad's Saddle by brushing off any debris and wiping with a damp cloth. If the pores are dirty, gently rinse them under cool water.
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