Frequency & law

Common and not protected.

The nuanced bit

The common name of this fungus comes from the thin white layer on the underside of it. Using a fingernail or knife, you can scratch through that layer to the brown underneath, allowing you to write messages or draw pictures on it, hence Artist’s conk.

Possible confusion

Other bracket fungus such as red reishi (G. lingzhi) or reishi (G. lucidum), both rarely found in North America and Britain and easily identified with their shiny reddish-brown top surface.

Habitat

Most often found on dead and dying Beech and Poplar. Also found less often on Alder, Apple, Elm, Horse Chestnut, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Willow, Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and Spruce.

How to harvest

Cooking tips

Whilst it is listed as inedible, and you certainly wouldn’t want to take a bite, apparently it is considered edible when cooked. It has been used as an ingredient in hot medicinal soups, and as an umami flavour enhancer in fermented foods.

Other uses

The common name comes from its use by artists as a medium for drawing. The underside of the bracket fungus is coated white, and it can easily be scratched through to reveal the brown layer underneath. An amadou, traditionally obtained from horses hoof fungus, can be taken from G. applanatum.

Folklore