Velvet-top fungus

Description:

Phaeolus schweinitzii (aka dyer's polypore) is associated with conifers. The fruiting bodies, appearing in late summer or fall, commonly incorporate blades of grass, twigs, or fallen pine needles as they grow. As these fruiting bodies age, the pore surface turns from yellow to greenish yellow, the top becomes darker, and the flesh becomes harder and more wood-like.

Habitat:

Spotted at the base of a Ponderosa pine tree in a coniferous forest.

Notes:

As its common name suggests, the dyer's polypore is an excellent natural source of green, yellow, gold, or brown dye, depending on the material dyed and the mordant used.