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These plants, funghi and insect illustrations
are part of my botanical oracle deck

Polyporus squamosus | Dryad's Saddle

General Mycological Information

  • Scientific Name: Polyporus squamosus

  • Common Names: Lumpy bracket, scaly bracket, dryad's saddle

  • Habitat: Growing in large, shelf-like clusters on decaying trees, often oak or maple

  • Native Region: Found worldwide

  • Growing Season: Spring and summer


Recognizing Polyporus squamosus

  • Shape: Large, shelf-like clusters of overlapping caps.

  • Color: White or cream-colored, often with brown or gray scales.

  • Texture: Tough and leathery.

  • Spore Print: White.


Edibility and Toxicity

  • Edible: Polyporus squamosus is edible, but it is tough and fibrous, making it best suited for cooking or drying.

  • Caution: It is important to be absolutely certain of identification before consuming any wild mushrooms, as some look-alikes can be poisonous.


Interesting Facts

  • Size: Lumpy bracket mushrooms can grow very large, with clusters reaching several feet in diameter.

  • Culinary Uses: They are often used in soups, stews, or dried and ground into powder for use as a seasoning.

  • Environmental Benefits: Lumpy bracket mushrooms play a vital role in the decomposition of wood and contribute to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.


Sources for Further Reading

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