Willow Bracket

Phellinus igniarius

I came across this fairly large bracket fungi growing on a large willow tree. This hoof-shaped perennial bracket can persist for years. It is rusty-brown in colour when young, later turning to grey, and finally becoming black and fissured. The margins are rusty-brown and velvety. The fruiting body can grow up to 40cm across.

It can be seen all year round. Parasitic on living willow, and occasionally other deciduous trees. Causes extreme white rot. It is widespread but occasional.

Photographs of Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) taken December 2011, by local river, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2011. Camera used Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38.