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Phaeolus schweinitzii
Fungal plant pathogen that causes butt rot on conifers such as Douglas-fir, spruce, fir, hemlock, pine, and larchLarge (8-10") fungus with a central depression (darker in color) than the fleshy rest of the specimen. Specimen has a plush, velvety look to it. It is a polypore, although unlike bracket fungi the fruiting body may appear terrestrial when growing from the roots or base of the host tree.
Found growing under a mixed pine-hardwood forest in the midlands of South Carolina. Photographed in the Sumter National Forest in McCormick County, SC.
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. Other common names include dyer's polypore, or dyer's mazegill.
Spotted on Jun 2, 2012
Submitted on Feb 18, 2013
1 Comment
Hi Ken - was it just a velvety look or did it feel velvet-like ? ( I was thinking something like Phaeolus schweinitzii )