# Charcoal Fungus (*Fomes fomentarius*)

Charcoal Fungus is a special kind of mushroom that grows on trees. It looks black and is often found in forests.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Forests
- **Also known as:** Burnt Fungus

![Charcoal Fungus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426545/objects/5171.jpg)

## Appearance

The Charcoal Fungus is a tough, hoof-shaped or shelf-like fungus, often gray to brownish-black on its upper surface with distinctive concentric growth rings. Its underside is usually a pale, creamy white or gray, covered in tiny pores. It looks like a hard, stony growth on tree trunks.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Polyporales
- **Family:** Fomitopsidaceae
- **Genus:** Fomes

## Interesting facts

- Ancient humans, like Ötzi the Iceman, carried this fungus for survival!
- It can live for many years, adding new growth layers each season.
- Its tough inner layer can be pounded into a leather-like material called amadou.
- Some people use parts of it to make unique, non-toxic art paper!

## Special abilities

- **Wood Recycler:** Charcoal Fungus has enzymes that help them break down dead wood, recycling nutrients back into the forest.
- **Nature's Bandage:** Charcoal Fungus can absorb liquids and stop bleeding because its inner tissue is highly absorbent, used historically as a styptic.
- **Insect Shield:** Charcoal Fungus has compounds that help them deter insects, protecting its fruiting body from pests.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 5-30 cm
- **Edible:** inedible
- **Size:** 5-45 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** wood
- **Season:** Year-round
- **Spore Color:** White

## Ecological connections

- **Parasitizes:** [European Beech](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-beech) (*Fagus sylvatica*) — Causes decay in the heartwood of the tree.
- **Parasitizes:** [Silver Birch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/silver-birch) (*Betula pendula*) — Contributes to the decomposition of dead wood.
- **Eaten by:** Fungus Beetle (*Orchesia micans*) — Larvae feed on the tough bracket fungus.

## Traits

- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Spore Producing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spore-producing): Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Charcoal Fungus?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Charcoal Fungus?

5-30 cm

### Is Charcoal Fungus edible?

inedible

### How big is Charcoal Fungus?

5-45 cm

### Where is Charcoal Fungus usually found?

Forests

### What does Charcoal Fungus grow on?

wood

### When is Charcoal Fungus in season?

Year-round

### What color are Charcoal Fungus spores?

White

## Where to spot

- [Loyalsock State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/loyalsock-state-forest) — Pennsylvania, US · Forest

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Charcoal Fungus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/charcoal-fungus)