Hemlock Reishi
Ganoderma tsugae
Also called: Hemlock Reishi, Hemlock Varnish Shelf, Tsuga Reishi
Overview
Parasitizes living hemlock and continues on dead. Fresh HWA-mortality hemlock (1–3 yr dead) is prime substrate — the parasite-to-saprotroph transition zone.
Edibility
Tea / extract only
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Aug–Sep
Season
Jun–Oct — typical fruiting months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Host trees & substrate
- Dead/dying eastern hemlock
- HWA-mortality zones
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Hemlock Reishi 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.