Beefsteak Fungus
ExploreFungi
Beefsteak Fungus
Fistulina
The Beefsteak Fungus looks like a piece of steak! This unique fungus grows on trees and is a fun find for nature explorers.
Habitat: On oak trees in forests
Appearance
The Beefsteak Fungus is a striking, bracket-shaped mushroom that genuinely resembles a raw cut of meat. Its upper surface ranges from pinkish-red to reddish-brown, often exuding a distinctive red, blood-like juice. The underside is creamy-white with many small, round pores instead of gills.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyFistulinaceaeGenusFistulina
Category
FungiRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Early Romans thought this fungus tasted like veal tongue!
It has tiny tubes underneath, not blade-like gills!
Its red juice was once used as a natural dye.
This fungus can live for many years on the same tree!
Special abilities
Ability
Wood Decomposer
Beefsteak Fungus can break down tough oak wood, recycling nutrients back into the forest soil.
Ability
Bleeding Juice
Beefsteak Fungus has a reddish-brown juice that helps deter pests and gives it a meat-like appearance.
Ability
Meat Mimicry
Beefsteak Fungus can visually mimic a raw beefsteak, making it a unique and intriguing woodland discovery.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-6 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-30 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Late summer to autumn
- Spore Color
- White to pinkish-yellow
Ecological connections
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Beefsteak PolyporeFistulina Hepatica
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Beefsteak Fungus?
2-6 cm
Is Beefsteak Fungus edible?
edible
How big is Beefsteak Fungus?
10-30 cm
Where is Beefsteak Fungus usually found?
On oak trees in forests
What does Beefsteak Fungus grow on?
wood
When is Beefsteak Fungus in season?
Late summer to autumn
What color are Beefsteak Fungus spores?
White to pinkish-yellow
Snap Map
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