How to identify Oak Curtain Crust

To correctly identify Oak Curtain Crust (Stereum ostrea), 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-like structure, thin and wavy, with concentric zones of color.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent; the underside is smooth.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent; the fruiting body is sessile (attaches directly to the wood).

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and tough.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Bracket-like, growing horizontally on wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows on dead hardwood, especially oak.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, with concentric zones.

Growth Form

Bracket-like, growing in overlapping clusters.

Spore Print

White.

Body color

Various shades of brown, tan, and cream, often with zones of orange or reddish-brown.

Odor

Indistinct.

Flesh bruises

Does not typically bruise.

Height

Less than 1 cm thick.

Cap Diameter

Up to 10 cm wide.

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent (smooth surface)
• Stem shape: Absent (sessile)
• Stem surface: Absent (sessile)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Absent (sessile)

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