Red-belted Polypore

Types of Shelf Mushrooms Artist's Conk Coltricia perennis Dyer's Bracket Turkey Tail Types of Mushrooms

The red-belted polypore (Fomitopsis pinicola) is a medium-sized wood rotting fungi that grows primarily on dead conifer trees and stumps.

Like many polypores, the top of the red-belted feels leathery to the touch. The spores form a smooth textured, white colored bottom. The red ring on the top is indicative of the species.

They are very common throughout the United States, and grow year round. Their age roughly corresponds to the number of layers visible when you cut one in half.

While they are not classified as poisonous, they are generally too tough to be considered edible.

© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels