Birch Polypore
Fomitopsis betulina
Family: Fomitopsidaceae
Also called: Birch Polypore, Birch Bracket, Razor Strop
Overview
Annual smooth white kidney-shaped bracket on dead birch only. Historically used as a strop and styptic. Tough — not table food.
Edibility
Tea / extract only
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Year-round
Season
Year-round — typical fruiting months: , Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.
Host trees & substrate
- Dead standing birch snags and logs
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Birch Polypore on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.
Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.