How to identify False Turkey Tail

To correctly identify False Turkey Tail (Stereum hirsutum), 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.

   The 'cap' is a bracket, typically 1-7 cm wide, with a hairy or rough texture. It often has concentric zones of different colors, usually cream, ochre, and brown.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent. The underside is smooth or slightly bumpy, lacking pores or gills.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent. This is a bracket fungus that attaches directly to the wood.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and tough.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Resupinate to bracket-like, often growing in tiers.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows on dead wood, especially deciduous trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Hairy, rough

Growth Form

Bracket-like

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

Cream, ochre, brown

Odor

Not distinctive

Flesh bruises

No bruising reaction

Height

Less than 1 cm thick

Cap Diameter

1-7 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent (smooth or slightly bumpy underside)
• Stem shape: Absent (bracket fungus)
• Stem surface: Absent (bracket fungus)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Absent (bracket fungus)

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