How to identify Turkey Tail

To correctly identify Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), 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 multi-colored with concentric zones of brown, tan, cream, and sometimes green or blue. The surface is finely hairy and slightly velvety.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   No gills; has small pores on the underside.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and tough.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Thin, leathery, fan-shaped brackets that grow in overlapping tiers.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows on dead logs, stumps, and branches of hardwoods.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Finely hairy, velvety.

Growth Form

Bracket-like, tiered.

Spore Print

White.

Body color

Multi-colored (brown, tan, cream, sometimes green/blue).

Odor

Mild, fungal.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise.

Height

1-5 cm.

Cap Diameter

2-8 cm.

Fruit body characteristics

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

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