False Turkey Tail

Description:

Stereum ostrea is often called the "False Turkey Tail," since it mimics Trametes versicolor. Like the "true" Turkey Tail, Stereum ostrea has a colorful, somewhat fuzzy cap that displays zones of brown, red, orange, buff, and green colors. While it might be said that Stereum ostrea is more red, more of the time, the tell-tale difference between true and false Turkey Tails is found underneath the cap: Stereum ostrea lacks a pore surface, and therefore has a smooth underside. In other words, it is a crust fungus rather than a polypore.

Habitat:

Fallen, dead tree.