Umbrella Polypore
ExploreFungi
Umbrella Polypore
polyporus umbellatus
The Umbrella Polypore looks like a little umbrella on the forest floor! Its unique shape and texture make it fun to find during a nature walk.
Habitat: Forests, particularly near decaying wood and trees.
Appearance
The Umbrella Polypore has many small, grayish-brown caps, often fan-shaped and overlapping, that emerge from branched stalks. Its clustered appearance resembles a large, bushy cauliflower or many small umbrellas growing from a central stem. It's distinctly large and multi-capped compared to most mushrooms.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyPolyporaceaeGenusPolyporus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It's a 'polypore' because its underside has many tiny pores, not gills!
One mushroom cluster can weigh over 20 kilograms, that's like a small dog!
Some people say it smells like cucumbers when it's fresh, try to sniff it!
This mushroom was once used in traditional medicine for its special properties.
Special abilities
Ability
Nutrient Recycler
Umbrella Polypore can break down dead hardwood, especially oak, returning vital nutrients to the forest floor.
Ability
Underground Network
Umbrella Polypore has an extensive hidden mycelial network, helping it absorb nutrients and spread widely.
Ability
Slow-Motion Spore Launcher
Umbrella Polypore can release millions of tiny white spores over many weeks, helping it reproduce effectively.
Ability
Giant Builder
Umbrella Polypore can grow into huge clusters, creating a large structure from tiny individual caps.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-40 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 1-4 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Summer to fall
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Grey Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels sometimes nibble on its soft caps.
depends on
White Oak
Quercus alba
It breaks down dead wood of this tree.
eats
Spanish Slug
Arion vulgaris
Slugs graze on its caps when young.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Mushroom of the Umbrella
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Umbrella Polypore?
20-40 cm
Is Umbrella Polypore edible?
edible
How big is Umbrella Polypore?
1-4 cm
Where is Umbrella Polypore usually found?
Forests, particularly near decaying wood and trees.
What does Umbrella Polypore grow on?
wood
When is Umbrella Polypore in season?
Summer to fall
What color are Umbrella Polypore spores?
White
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_Fayod_33118_crop.jpg&width=800)
.jpg&width=800)
