How to identify Hairy Bracket

To correctly identify Hairy Bracket (Trametes hirsuta), 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 bracket-shaped, typically 3-12 cm wide, and has a hairy or fuzzy texture. The color varies from grayish to brownish, often with concentric zones of different shades.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   No gills; instead, it has small, irregular pores on the underside.

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.

   The flesh is tough and leathery, with a pale brown color.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Forms a shelf-like or bracket-like structure attached to wood.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows on dead hardwood, causing white rot.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Hairy or fuzzy

Growth Form

Bracket-like, shelf-like

Spore Print

White to pale yellow

Body color

Grayish to brownish

Odor

Mild, fungal

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising reaction

Height

1-3 cm thick

Cap Diameter

3-12 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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