In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Black Oak Fungus????

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by SkidderDone, Aug 19, 2018.

  1. SkidderDone

    SkidderDone

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    Hi all! Hope your weekend is going good. I'd like to get your take on if this is a fungus I need to be concerned about. The white spots are what I'm referring to. The tree looks healthy otherwise. I'd like to keep the tree so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 20180819_110311.jpeg

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  2. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Kinda looks like simple lichens....
    Maybe a crisp close up?
     
  3. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Jut what I thought too...
     
  4. billb3

    billb3

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    looks like 2 different kind of lichen there and they are usually kinda normal on mature bark.
     
  5. imwiley1

    imwiley1

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    I'm liken the lichen suggestion.
     
  6. papadave

    papadave

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    Ok, I see what you did there.:picard::rofl: :lol:
     
  7. SkidderDone

    SkidderDone

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    Sorry all the picture I took isn't correct. I thought that was what my friend was referring to. It's actually this... 20180819_183725.jpeg

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  8. billb3

    billb3

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    That looks like a bark mushroom and it does appear to be attempting to form shelves like many bark mushrooms do.
    Those are likely taking advantage of the (what might be) damaged part of that tree for sustenance.

    They could be a mushroom that causes damage, they could be a mushroom that is just an opportunist.
    Most shelf mushrooms die off in the cold here and form on weak and/or dying trees. They are not a problem for firewood except they don't look pleasing to the eye.

    On a live tree I might investigate why they have taken hold there
    I have ignored them here, even huge ones on trees that appear healthy because even some huge ones haven't done any damage and others were just signs that the tree was getting soft ( dying red maples ). Red maples covered with shelf mushrooms are usually getting pretty soft and spalted inside, are often at end of life or expired and often don't make very good firewood.
    Beyond that I would need a (really good) mushroom book or expert to identify an exact type.
     
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  9. SkidderDone

    SkidderDone

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    Thanks billb3!

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  10. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    I'm doubting that it is anything to be concerned about. Have seen this many times in the woods but never any harm that I'm aware of.
     
  11. SkidderDone

    SkidderDone

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    Thanks Backwoods!
     
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