Group of Fungi: Polypores

Family: Polyporaceae

Latin Name: Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton) J. Schröt.

Synonym(s): Daedalea confragosa (Bolton) Pers.

Common Name: Thin-walled Maze Polypore

Description: Fan-shaped or shelf-like (sometimes almost round when encircling a small branch) structure; cap 1–5 in (2.5–12.5 cm) across and up to 3/4 in (2 cm) thick, upper surface gray to brown when young but becoming reddish brown with age, somewhat wrinkled, with concentric bands of grey to brown or yellow-brown, tough and leathery texture; margin of cap white; spore-bearing surface white to buff or gray, becoming darker with age, bruising pink when fresh, pores variable in shape and size, ranging from round, angular or elongated to maze-like (hence the common name) when old, walls between adjacent pores thin; stalk lacking; spores hyaline in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of wood but also can be considered as a pathogen when present on living trees.

Habitat: On dead branches, fallen logs and stumps of broadleaf trees, especially birch.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed throughout North America.

Comments: Daedaleopsis confragosa is rather variable and can be confused with other species. Fresh specimens are relatively easy to recognize due to the fact that the spore-bearing surface bruises pink when handled.