Dryad's Saddle

Cerioporus

The Dryad's Saddle is a mushroom that looks like a saddle! It grows on trees and has a unique shape.

Habitat: On trees

Appearance

The Dryad's Saddle is a large, fan- or kidney-shaped mushroom with a short, stout stalk. Its cap is creamy to light brown, covered in distinctive dark brown, flattened scales. The underside has large, angular, whitish pores.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyPolyporaceaeGenusCerioporus

Dryad's Saddle

Interesting facts

It's named after tree nymphs from Greek mythology!

Its scaly cap can sometimes resemble a snake's skin!

This mushroom often smells just like fresh watermelon or cucumber.

Young Dryad's Saddle can be sliced thin and cooked like bacon.

Special abilities

Dryad's Saddle can break down tough dead wood, helping return vital nutrients to the forest soil.

This fungus has millions of tiny pores under its cap that release countless white spores to create new mushrooms.

Dryad's Saddle can grow surprisingly fast, sometimes appearing large in just a few days after rain.

Measurements & details

Height: 2-15 cm
Edibility: edible
Cap Diameter: 5-50 cm
Growth Substrate: wood
Season: Spring to fall
Spore Color: White

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Spore Producing

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!