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Dryad's saddle

Cerioporus squamosus

A species of Cerioporus

A familiar sight to spring morel hunters, dryad's saddle is noteworthy for its large size, striking scales, and watermelon-like smell. Similar to other mushrooms in the bracket fungi family, dryad's saddle can be used to make paper. Younger mushrooms are better suited for this purpose due to their smaller and more consistent fibers.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 30 cm

Odor:

Mild, somewhat fruity when young; typically mushroomy.

General Info About Dryad's saddle

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Attributes of Dryad's saddle

Cap Diameter

5 - 30 cm

Height

5 - 10 cm

Cap

5 - 30 cm across, 1 - 4 cm thick; semicircular, fan-shaped, broadly convex; light tan to creamy yellowish; dry; thin margin incurved

Cap Shape

Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

2 - 8 cm long, 1 - 4 cm thick; off-center, lateral; whitish; with dark brown to black tomentum

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Thick; soft soon becoming corky and tough; white, unchanging when sliced

Ring

Thin

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mild, somewhat fruity when young; typically mushroomy.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Yellow

Bronze

Cream

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Dryad's saddle by these plants:

Box elder, Silver maple, American sycamore, Ashes, Elms

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Dryad's saddle

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Cap

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Habitat of Dryad's saddle

The habitat of the dryad's saddle is primarily associated with deciduous forests populated by broadleaf trees. This mushroom grows on dead trees (and occasionally on living trees) and decomposing wood - trunks, logs, and stumps.

Distribution Area of Dryad's saddle

Eastern North America,Europe,Africa,Asia

Hunting Values of Dryad's saddle

Only edible when young.

Uses of Dryad's saddle

Dryad's saddle is a mushroom species recognized for its edibility with precautions due to potential confusion with toxic look-alikes. It is harvested for culinary purposes, yet one must have expert knowledge to safely identify and consume it. Its availability peaks in specific seasons, adding value to foragers' collections. Despite its popularity among knowledgeable mushroom enthusiasts, caution is advised when considering dryad's saddle for consumption.

Scientific Classification of Dryad's saddle

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Polyporaceae

Genus

Cerioporus

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Tips for Finding Dryad's saddle

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When is the Best Time to Find Dryad's saddle

Search for dryad's saddle from late spring to early fall, focusing on warm and moist weather conditions after rain for the best chances of finding them.

What are Some Tips for Finding Dryad's saddle

Look around the base of dead or dying hardwood trees such as oaks and maples.
Inspect decaying hardwood stumps, as dryad's saddle may grow on or near these structures.
Keep an eye out for shelf-like formations on trees; dryad's saddle typically grows in clusters.
Search in areas with a lot of fallen dead wood or in forested regions with abundant mature hardwoods.
Be aware of the surrounding environment where mature hardwoods are present to increase your chances of encountering dryad's saddle.

How to Clean and Preserve Dryad's saddle

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How to Clean Dryad's saddle

To clean dryad's saddle, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. If necessary, slightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface. Avoid soaking as it may affect the texture. Handle delicately to preserve integrity.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Dryad's saddle

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief in boiling water to inhibit enzyme action before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Dryad's saddle

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Spread-Out Storage

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow air circulation.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to maintain a high humidity while still allowing airflow.

Spread-Out Storage: Keep mushrooms in a loosely closed container and wash only before use to prevent spoilage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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