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Willow bracket

Phellinus igniarius

A species of Phellinus, Also known as Iqmik, Flecked-flesh polypore

A tough, woody, conk-like fungus, the willow bracket can be found sprouting from either dead or live hardwood trees, with willow trees (unsurprisingly), being a favorite host. While totally inedible, this fungus is not without usefulness. Another common name for the species is the "fire sponge", and this is because the willow bracket, when shredded, makes fantastic kindling.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 20 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Willow bracket

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Attributes of Willow bracket

Cap Diameter

5 - 20 cm

Height

10 - 40 cm

Cap

5 - 20 cm in diameter; grayish brown pores

Flesh

Reddish brown

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Gray

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Willow bracket by these plants:

Willows, Grey willow, Goat willow

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Uncommon

Endangered Species

How to Identify Willow bracket

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Willow bracket

The willow bracket grows in woods and wooded areas and it's exclusively associated with broadleaf trees, particularly poplar, willow, and aspen. The mushroom grows on both dead and living wood.

Uses of Willow bracket

Willow bracket is primarily recognized for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it has been used in various cultures for its potential health benefits. While not popular as an edible mushroom due to its tough texture, willow bracket is valued in herbal medicine, particularly in Asia. It's typically harvested for making extracts and teas believed to support immune function. However, users should consult healthcare professionals before use due to potential risks associated with self-medicating with mushrooms.

Scientific Classification of Willow bracket

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Hymenochaetales

Family

Hymenochaetaceae

Genus

Phellinus

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Tips for Finding Willow bracket

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When is the Best Time to Find Willow bracket

Search for willow bracket during late summer to fall when the weather starts to cool down, but before the first frost. Damp, cooler days following a rain are often the most productive.

What are Some Tips for Finding Willow bracket

Search around the base of willow trees, focusing on those that appear aged or decaying.
Inspect openings or wounds on hardwoods, as willow bracket often colonizes these vulnerable spots.
Look for willow bracket's telltale hoof-like, dark growths on tree trunks above ground level.
Visit well-lit, open woodlands with a prevalence of hardwoods to increase your chances of locating willow bracket.
Revisit the same trees periodically, as willow bracket is perennial and may become more visible over time.

How to Clean and Preserve Willow bracket

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How to Clean Willow bracket

To clean willow bracket, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. If necessary, lightly dampen a cloth and gently wipe the surface. Avoid soaking as willow bracket are porous.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Willow bracket

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark, and dry place with humidity under 15% to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Effective for reducing moisture content evenly and quickly.

Oven drying: Convenient for controlled heat application, maintaining low temperatures of 45-50°C.

Air drying: Natural method, ideal in arid climates with good air circulation.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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