How to identify Oak Bracket

To correctly identify Oak Bracket (Pseudoinonotus dryadeus), 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.

   Large, hoof-shaped bracket, brown to reddish-brown, rough and cracked surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Pores instead of gills; small, round pores on the underside, yellowish-brown to brown.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent (Sessile)

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Tough and fibrous, dark brown.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Sessile, attached directly to the tree trunk.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (Pores instead of gills)
• Stem shape: N/A (Sessile)
• Stem surface: N/A (Sessile)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (Sessile)

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