At a glance
Essentials
- Size
- The fruiting body can reach 25 cm in width. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
- Habitat
- In the species description, it appears mainly associated with *Fagus* and *Betula* in boreal or temperate habitats. In Armenia, the studied *F. fomentarius* specimens in the strict sense grew on *Fagus orientalis* and *Carpinus betulus*.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
The fruiting body is perennial, sessile, and woody, hoof-shaped, and can reach 25 cm in width.
- 02
The upper surface soon develops a hairless greyish crust; the margin is pale brown and finely velvety.
- 03
The lower surface is concave and pale brown, with circular pores; these traits alone do not distinguish F. fomentarius from F. inzengae.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
Fomes fomentarius forms perennial, sessile, woody fruiting bodies with a hoof-like shape and a greyish upper surface. In the species description, it is mainly associated with beeches (Fagus) and birches (Betula) in boreal or temperate environments. In Armenia, records attributed to F. fomentarius in the strict sense were on oriental beech and hornbeam. The visible traits described here are not sufficient by themselves to reliably distinguish this species from the cryptic species Fomes inzengae.