Home > Golden reishi

Photo By Amanda Schabdach

Golden reishi

Ganoderma curtisii

A species of Artist's bracket and allies

The golden reishi is a tough-fleshed fungus that can be found on dead or live hardwoods, and sometimes conifers, sporting deep shades of red, orange or yellow, although some can be quite pale. While some claim that the golden reishi may convey health benefits, there is no evidence to support this, and the species is considered inedible.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 12 cm

Odor:

Mild, not distinctive.

General Info About Golden reishi

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Golden reishi

Cap Diameter

3 - 12 cm

Height

5 - 18 cm

Cap

3 - 12 cm across; semicircular, irregularly kidney-shaped; zoned with yellow, white, red, reddish brown

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Stem

Up to 18 cm; brownish red to reddish brown; bald, lacquered

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Tough but not woody; very pale brown, darker immediately above the tubes

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mild, not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Red

White

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees

You can find Golden reishi by these plants:

Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains

Endangered Species

How to Identify Golden reishi

Fruiting Body Cap Pores

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Golden reishi

The golden reishi is usually found in the woods. It is commonly associated with deciduous trees such as oak, elm, maple, beech, plum, or peach, and it grows on both living and deadwood. It can be found on stumps and near the roots of trees.

Uses of Golden reishi

Golden reishi is renowned for its medicinal properties, commonly used in traditional medicine practices. It is not a culinary mushroom but is popular for its perceived health benefits, including immune support and anti-inflammatory effects. Golden reishi is typically processed into powders, teas, or extracts rather than consumed fresh. While valued for its therapeutic potential, consumers should consult healthcare professionals before using it due to potential interactions with medications or underlying health conditions.

Scientific Classification of Golden reishi

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Ganodermataceae

Genus

Artist's bracket and allies

Similar Species to Golden reishi

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Golden reishi

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Golden reishi

Search for golden reishi during late summer to early fall when the humidity is higher. Look after periods of rain, but not during heavy or prolonged wet spells.

What are Some Tips for Finding Golden reishi

Search near decaying or injured hardwoods, focusing on logs and stumps.
Inspect tree wounds for golden reishi, as they may grow from these areas.
Investigate both solitary and grouped occurrences of mushrooms in these environments.
Carefully check hardwood-dominated areas during routine walks to spot golden reishi.
Repeat visits to known hardwood-rich areas can increase chances of locating golden reishi.

How to Clean and Preserve Golden reishi

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Golden reishi

To clean golden reishi, gently brush off any debris using a soft brush. Handle golden reishi delicately to preserve their physical structure.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Golden reishi

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good air circulation to prevent spoilage.

Dehydrator drying: Controlled low heat perfectly removes moisture without damaging the structure.

Oven drying: Frequent checks ensure proper desiccation at low temperatures within short timeframes.

Air drying: Natural method, ideal in low humidity environments; slower but energy-efficient.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free

What are the health benefits of golden reishi?

Are golden reishi edible?

Where does golden reishi grow?

Is golden reishi dangerous?

Can you touch a golden reishi?

How big does golden reishi get?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Golden reishi

Ganoderma sessile