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The Oak Bracket, scientifically known as *Pseudoinonotus dryadeus*, is a bracket fungus that primarily grows on oak trees, but can also be found on other hardwoods. It is characterized by its large, hoof-shaped fruiting body, which is typically brown to reddish-brown in color. The surface of the bracket is often rough and cracked, and it may exude a dark liquid, especially when young. This fungus causes a white rot in the heartwood of the tree, leading to structural weakening. It is commonly found in Europe and North America.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Large, hoof-shaped bracket, brown to reddish-brown, rough and cracked surface.
- Gills
- Pores instead of gills; small, round pores on the underside, yellowish-brown to brown.
- Stem
- Absent (Sessile)
- Flesh
- Tough and fibrous, dark brown.
- Fruiting body
- Sessile, attached directly to the tree trunk.
- Habitat
- Grows on living or dead oak trees, causing white rot.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Rough, cracked
- Growth Form: Bracket
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Brown to reddish-brown
- Odor: Mild, fungal
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising
- Height: Up to 30 cm
- Cap Diameter: Up to 50 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Parasitic/Saprotrophic
Safe
SafeThis fungus is not considered toxic, but it is also not typically consumed due to its tough texture and bitter taste.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, fungal.
- Fruiting: Large, hoof-shaped bracket on oak trees.
- Substrate: Oak trees (living or dead).
Where to Find
Oak Woodlands
Prefers to grow on living or dead oak trees, causing a white rot.
Mixed Hardwood Forests
Can also be found on other hardwood trees, though less common.
Finding Tips
Check Tree Trunks
Look for large, hoof-shaped brackets on the trunks of oak trees.
Inspect Tree Base
Examine the base of oak trees for signs of the fungus, especially if the tree appears stressed or weakened.
Similar Species
Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
another bracket fungus
Also known as: Cinnabar Polypore
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Hymenochaetales
- Family
- Hymenochaetaceae
- Genus
- Pseudoinonotus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
This fungus is not typically consumed, so cleaning is not applicable.
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