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Dyer's polypore

Phaeolus schweinitzii

A species of Phaeolus, Also known as Dyer's mazegill

This shelf fungus grows annually on living coniferous trees and may kill its host if left untreated. As the name suggests, dyer's polypore can be used to produce dye for yarn in a variety of shades from yellow to orange to brown, depending on the age of the mushroom used and also the type of metal it’s processed in. It is not considered edible.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 35 cm

Odor:

Sweetly aromatic or unremarkable.

General Info About Dyer's polypore

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Attributes of Dyer's polypore

Cap Diameter

5 - 35 cm

Height

3 - 6 cm

Cap

Cap 7 - 30 cm across; circular, semicircular, flat; from dark brown to rusty brown; dry, rough

Cap Shape

Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly, Velvety

Stem

Stem 2.5 - 5 cm long, 2 - 2.5 cm thick; central structure; brown and velvety below the pore surface; turn darker brown when bruised

Stem Surfaces

Velvety

Flesh

Fairly soft to stringy and leathery; often appearing zoned; brown

Ring

Concentric inner rings; typically reddish, greenish or yellow-brown

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale yellow to white

Odor

Sweetly aromatic or unremarkable.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Bronze

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Dyer's polypore by these plants:

Common douglas-fir, Eastern white pine, Loblolly pine, Spruces, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed throughout conifers forests

Endangered Species

How to Identify Dyer's polypore

Fruiting Body Cap Pores

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Habitat of Dyer's polypore

The dyer's polypore is a pathogen fungus that attacks conifers - pine, fir, spruce, larch, and hemlock. It grows on the ground, closely associated with the tree's roots or near the base of the trunk.

Distribution Area of Dyer's polypore

North America,Europe

Scientific Classification of Dyer's polypore

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Bracket polypores

Genus

Phaeolus

Similar Species to Dyer's polypore

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Tips for Finding Dyer's polypore

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Dyer's polypore

Well-drained, woody debris-rich soil near conifers.

What are Some Tips for Finding Dyer's polypore

Seek out areas with conifer trees, especially those that appear aged or that have visible fire scars.
Inspect the base of conifers and nearby tree stumps for dyer's polypore's presence, as it often appears terrestrial though growing on wood.
Look around toppled or felled conifer trees as dyer's polypore may colonize the dead roots and stumps after killing its host.
Explore conifer forests selectively logged or with remnants of logging activity, as dyer's polypore may be found on leftover timber.