Common Mushrooms That Grow on Trees

Common Mushrooms That Grow on Trees

Mushrooms are important organisms that help ecosystems. They often grow on trees, which can show how healthy a tree is or if it is decaying. Knowing about the mushrooms that grow on trees is helpful for gardeners, tree experts, and nature lovers.

This guide will look at different mushrooms growing on trees, how to identify them, and their effects on tree health.

Why Do Mushrooms Grow on Trees?

Mushrooms grow on trees because of the relationship between fungi and trees. Mushrooms are the part of fungi that we see, and if they grow on trees, it means the fungi have taken over the wood.

Types of Fungi on Trees

1. Saprophytic Fungi – These eat dead wood and help recycle nutrients.
2. Parasitic Fungi – These feed on living trees and can weaken or kill them.
3. Symbiotic Fungi – These help trees grow better by sharing nutrients.

Common Mushrooms That Grow on Trees

1. Bracket Fungi (Shelf Mushrooms)

• Appearance: Flat, shelf-like structures growing in layers on tree trunks or branches.
• Examples: Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Artist’s Conk (Ganoderma applanatum).
• Impact: These are often saprophytic but can indicate internal decay in living trees.

2. Honey Fungus (Armillaria)

• Appearance: Clusters of golden-brown mushrooms at the tree base or root system.
• Impact: A parasitic fungus known to cause root rot and tree death.
• Notable Feature: The mycelium of Honey Fungus can glow in the dark, a phenomenon called bioluminescence.

3. Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

• Appearance: Light-colored, fan-shaped caps growing in clusters on decaying wood.
• Impact: Saprophytic fungi that primarily target dead or dying trees.
• Uses: Edible and popular in culinary applications.

4. Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)

• Appearance: Bright orange or yellow, fleshy mushroom growing in brackets.
• Impact: Typically saprophytic but may act parasitically on weakened trees.
• Uses: Edible when young and tender.

5. Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina)

• Appearance: Smooth, white to beige fruiting bodies often found on birch trees.
• Impact: Saprophytic fungi that grow on dead or dying birch trees.
• Uses: Historically used for medicinal purposes and as a natural strop for sharpening knives.

6. Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)

• Appearance: Tall, cylindrical caps with a shaggy appearance, usually near decaying tree stumps.
• Impact: Saprophytic fungi that thrive on decomposing organic matter.
• Uses: Edible when fresh but deteriorates quickly after harvesting.

7. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Appearance: Reddish-brown, shiny, kidney-shaped caps often found at the base of trees.
• Impact: Can be parasitic on living trees or saprophytic on dead wood.
• Uses: Revered in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.

Implications of Mushrooms Growing on Trees

While mushrooms may appear harmless or even attractive, they can signal potential issues for the tree.

Positive Effects

• Mushrooms like mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient and water uptake for the tree.
• They contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Negative Effects

• Parasitic fungi can weaken the tree’s structure, making it prone to breakage or collapse.
• Fungal infections often indicate internal decay, reducing the tree’s lifespan.

How to Manage Mushrooms Growing on Trees

Identify the Cause

• Check if the fungus is harmful or helpful. Get advice from a tree expert if needed.
• Get advice from a tree expert if you suspect the tree’s health is compromised.

Removing Mushrooms

• Trimming affected branches to stop the spread of harmful fungi.
• Avoid cutting too close to the trunk to prevent further damage.

Improving Tree Health

• Water, mulch, and fertilize trees properly.
• Remove dead wood to limit fungi.

Conclusion

The presence of mushrooms growing on trees is a natural phenomenon, but it can carry different implications depending on the type of fungus and the tree’s condition. Whether you’re dealing with a mushroom that grows on trees as part of a healthy ecosystem or addressing the signs of decay, understanding these fungi is key to maintaining tree health.

By identifying and managing fungi effectively, you can ensure your trees remain strong, vibrant, and beautiful. Always consult an expert if you’re unsure about the impact of mushrooms growing on a tree in your landscape.