Dryad’s Saddle

Description:

Dryad’s Saddle is an edible bracket fungus that begins to appear in the spring around the same time Morel mushrooms appear. The preferable host is Elm, but they grow on a variety of deciduous trees. They play an important role in woodland ecosystems by decomposing wood. The bracket has a scaly cap resembling pheasant feathers and is commonly called Pheasant's Back. It is a large fungus that can grow up to 20 inches across. This particular specimen was over 10 inches.

Habitat:

North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. Tree hosts include elm, ash, beech, horse chestnut, lime, maple, planetree, poplar, and willow.